Unfortunately there was then an age requirement which had been overlooked and the bright idea of introducing a youthful point of view to a largely middle-aged forum fell by the wayside.

The young man in question never returned, even though a change in the legislation shortly after would have enabled him to do so.

Things have remained much as before since then, though resignations have occurred quite frequently. These have always been filled by co-option, which avoids the expense of an election.

This month the co-option procedure was repeated yet again with one vacant seat due to be filled. But surprisingly, on this occasion, one of the applicants was an 18-year-old taking his A levels at the town's college. He was overwhelmingly voted on board.

Stuart King is a very personable young man and has already made a good impression with councillors after attending a couple of committee meetings on a look-and-learn basis. Currently studying government and politics as one of his A levels, he's applied to the University of East Anglia for a degree in business management with law.

I presumed this would spell the end of his council career, but he tells me he has every intention of continuing.

I hope he does and that older councillors defer to his opinion, especially on matters with which he is more conversant. It will be a refreshing change.

• I will be sorry to say farewell to Doug Dale as head of our local infant and nursery school. He's moving on at Easter to join the team of county headteachers who occupy a travelling role taking charge of schools for variable periods. This could be for all sorts of reasons – to do with health, reorganisation or if the school is having some difficulties.

Doug's experience at the infants and, before that at the juniors just down the road, will be invaluable. Replacing him will, I feel, not be easy. There are few enough male role models in our infant schools as it is and his departure must be a cause of concern.

• If you have tried driving up Field Lane on a school day lately I'm sure a section close to the college has caused you anxiety. It certainly has for me on my bike.

On-site parking is restricted to staff as there is very limited space, so students who drive in have been leaving their cars along a narrow stretch of the road making it virtually one-way.

Lots of traffic goes up and down during school hours and the hazards are obvious. The matter was raised at town council this month and calls made for some form of control – such as yellow lines.

I wonder why students don't park in the Highfield Road car park just opposite the college. This is free and a very convenient distance from classes.