Councillors get a speedy grilling

YOUNG politicians from Priestley College gave Warrington councillors a grilling at a speed-debating event at the Town Hall.
Students joined members of the IMPACT youth forum and a visiting party from the Hilden Youth Parliament to quiz officials about the issues affecting them.
Councillors representing all three political parties and senior officers from transport, education, legal and cultural services remained in their seats while the young people moved from table to table, posing their questions and discussing current topics.
The event, now in its third year, aims to increase the number of young people involved in politics.
Mark Salmon, politics tutor at Priestley College said: “It’s very important to engage young people in politics from a young age to ensure they participate in the future. Tonight’s event is part of a wider initiative to promote local democracy.”
Phil Thomas, a second year politics student said: “I’ve been surprised at the candid answers received to my questions. Tonight proves after the national MP expenses scandal that not all politicians have things to hide and that they do want listen to what young people have to say.”
Zamynah Minden, visiting Warrington from its twin town Hilden, is involved in the youth parliament there.
She said: “We don’t do this in Hilden but when I return I will be suggesting we do something similar. I think it is very important to allow young people the opportunity to discuss issues that are important to them with decision makers.”
Councillor Keith Bland, deputy leader of the council,thanked the students for sharing their many and varied views. He also invited them to go and see politics in action at the next meeting of full council.