Warwickshire News Mine

Because the youngsters got the opportunity to quiz local politicians on the issues they feel strongly about, as well as get to know them better.

The traditional format of a ‘speed dating’ event was hi-jacked to provide young people with the opportunity to sit and chat to their local councillor for a few minutes – before moving on to the next councillor!

It was all part of this year’s Local Democracy Campaign in Warwickshire.

The ‘political speed dating’ event, one of a series that have been taking place around the county, was held at Kenilworth Youth Centre on Tuesday (20th November) and was organised by Warwickshire County Council, as part of its commitment to engaging with the community, and by Warwick District Council.

The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘take part, take power’ and the aim has been to get young people more interested in local politics.

The events proved to be very successful last year, but in a crucial difference this year the councillors have been going out to the young people, meeting with them in their local youth clubs, schools and community halls.

Local councillors taking part in the Kenilworth event included, from Warwick District Council, Councillors George Illingworth, Clare Sawdon, Bertie MacKay, Andrew Mobbs, Balvinder Gill, Nick Pittarello, Bob Crowther, Janice Dean, Mike Britland, Judith Falp, and Richard Edwards, and from Warwickshire County Council, Councillors John Whitehouse and Alan Cockburn. Councillor Les Caborn, Chairman of Warwick District Council, compered the event.

Some of the issues identified as important by the young people who attended included safety and street lighting, looking after the environment, providing youth clubs, lowering the cost of bus travel and listening to young people more.
The young participants were asked to score the councillors according to their approachability, listening skills, their understanding of the issues raised and whether or not they answered their questions.

It was a close contest, but district Councillor Clare Sawdon (Budbrooke) was the highest-scoring councillor of the evening.

Elizabeth Cronin and Sonia Audhali, photography students from Warwickshire College, were invited to capture the event on camera with a selection of photographs of the councillors and young people in discussion.

Warwickshire County Council, in partnership with the county’s borough and district councils, has also arranged a number of schools debates, a young journalist competition and regular weblogs on the Warwickshire County Council website, http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localdemocracy, as part of this year’s Local Democracy Campaign.

Link to WCC