THE future for young people in the borough was the topic for discussion at a public debate led by the Warrington Skills Commission.

The newly formed group heard from a wide variety of groups from education and business leaders as it looks to link up the two to offer people in the town in the best chance of work and boosting the economy.

And at the event on Friday at the Town Hall they heard from experts including Jamie Elkaleh, a 20-year-old youth support worker who spoke to young people’s groups about the issues they faced.

He told the commission: “Some young people feel like migrants are taking jobs. They want support in looking for jobs and they need options to get more qualifications and work experience.”

Meanwhile Neil McInroy, chief executive of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies told the commission Warrington should look at its future plans for growth to work out what skills will be needed and tailor education and training to those.

Among other speakers were Paul Hafren from Warrington Collegiate and managing director of business Mickledore Nigel Wilcock.

The results from the debate will be published in a report in the new year.