Public get chance to give team a grilling

The Councillor Question Time saw a number of county council big hitters turn up including Staffordshire County Council leader John Taylor. TV news anchor Bob Warman acting as referee and host.

Also on the front bench were Hednesford county member Sue Woodward, Lichfield councillor Eric Drinkwater and Great Wyrley member Michael Lawrence. Councillor John Wakefield and Children's Commissioner Gill Stanford also answered questions.

The two-hour session, at Kingsmead Technology College in Hednesford, enabled the members of the public to ask unvetted questions of the councillors on any issue.

One of the key issues discussed on the night was anti-social behaviour including youths drinking and causing trouble in parks and open spaces as well as dog walkers failing to clean up after their pets and drivers parking inconsiderately.

Also raised on the night were concerns over "sofa surfing" homelessness and drug abuse as well as healthy school meals and the county council's controversial Changing Lives Policy and its impact on disabled young people.

Responding to concerns of troubled youths causing problems in Heath Hayes Park, Cannock park and Cannock town centre leader of the council John Taylor said it was important the different authorities worked together. He also said parents needed to be involved.

"The council can't resolve these issues on its own, there is one element missing and that is the parents. It seems to me everyone wants to blame the authorities but the parents share some of the responsibility. Unless the council can work with the family unit we are going to lose this battle."

Gill Stanford, children's commissioner, said youth services were improving and youth clubs were set to begin opening their doors on a Friday and Saturday night.

Another member of the public called for free school meals at primary schools.