I WOULD like to thank the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and, in particular, your reporter David Higgerson, for the positive and constructive articles on our innovative WhatNow? services for young people.
It saddens me, however, to find that John Blunt (LET, August 9) is happy to live in the past and be deaf and blind to the problems that today's young people face. He also seems envious that the county council is doing something about it.
I firmly believe we should do as much as possible to help the people of Lancashire. The WhatNow? scheme is just one example.
Why shouldn't youngsters be able to get high-quality information on a wide range of subjects from one course? Why should we stop them from seeking help when they need it? John Blunt has no answer to these questions. If he had actually read the stories that had appeared in his own paper he would no doubt be disappointed to learn that the subscriptions we receive from other authorities who have bought-in to this Lancashire success story have financed the development of the service.
He bangs on about the council wasting money. If he had bothered to check the facts he would know that WhatNow? is so popular with other local authorities that subscriptions they pay meet the cost of developing the service -- that is what I call a real success story for Lancashire.
Having nobody to talk to when things become too much is terrible. John Blunt's misguided ramblings show what can happen to a person when nobody will listen to what you have to say.
I would like to issue a challenge to him to stop hiding behind the anonymity of his column and come out to Accrington to meet me and the WhatNow? team -- just like your reporter did. Perhaps then he would appreciate the excellent work they do and have some real facts to back up his blinkered opinions.
I would urge your younger readers to visit www.whatnow.co.uk and make your own minds up about WhatNow?
County Councillor DOROTHY WESTELL (Chairman, Libraries and Lifelong Learning Sub Committee, Lancashire County Council), Riley Street, Accrington.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article