NEWTOWNABBEY'S Shadow Youth Council is under evaluation, a Mossley Mill spokeswoman has confirmed.
Local politicians are now expected to discuss the future of the project before the summer.
It is believed the Youth Council has been hit by dwindling attendances, and the Times understands a change of format is one of the options that may be conside
red by its parent body.
The initiative was established in 2006 with the aim of developing and promoting a democratic youth voice, building confidence, promoting civic leadership and encouraging active participation of young people from differing backgrounds in youth -led community actions which are beneficial to all young people in the Borough.
Twenty five representatives between the ages of 14 and 18 years were elected according to their manifesto issues, and not by political parties.
Some have gained from the political experience of the project. Ballyclare girl Kirsty Bell, a student at Queen's University, was recently appointed to Newtownabbey's District Policing Partnership (DPP), and Neil Baird to Carrick DPP.
Other success stories from the Shadow Youth Council include a memorable trip to London last July during which members visited the Children's Commissioner and Westminster. The young people also ran a very successful conference on mental health and suicide and enjoyed several workshop programmes across the province.
Speaking to the Times on Tuesday, Newtownabbey's Mayor Nigel Hamilton said: "I think it will survive, but not in the current format."
Ulster Unionist councillor John Scott said the young people should be consulted to find out what direction they would like to see the project move in
"We need to talk to the young people to see what they want," he said. "The concept of the whole thing is great but I think we need to make it more light hearted and fun but keep it underpinned with the principles of civic leadership.
"It would be a sin to let the whole thing go down the pan. Everybody needs to sit down and listen to the young people because if we don't get ideas from them it won't work."
A council spokeswoman said: "An evaluation of the Shadow Youth Council is currently underway and will be referred to the council in due course for a decision".
