21/03/05 - Cllr Tomlinson Pushes For Action On Teenage Pregnancy In Swindon

Historically, Swindon has had high teenage pregnancy, with rates in excess of 56 per 1000 young women age under 18 for the four years preceding the 1998.  This figure is well above the national average, and significantly higher than the South-West average.

Over recent years the Council and PCT have worked hard to bring down the figures, with some success.

Efforts have focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Hot-spots and vunerable groups
• Involving young people
• Support to young parents
• Education

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Candidate is now pushing for additional work to be carried out with the local pubs and clubs.

Cllr Tomlinson, "It is crucial that every effort is made to tackle underage drinking, as I believe this could be a key way to help bring down the teenage pregnancy rates in Swindon."

"Swindon Council is now responsible for licensing.  I am looking to work with Cllr Brian Ford, Lead Member for Community Safety who is the Chairman for Licensing."

I will looking to tighten up the controls to prevent underage drinking, and to encourage pubs and clubs to allow access for educational material to help tackle teenage pregnancy."