14 October 2008, 08/235
Council helps pupils celebrate Local Democracy
Week
Pupils were given the chance to debate issues affecting West
Lancashire to mark Local Democracy Week (13 to 17 October).
West Lancashire District Council organised a lively ‘mock’
debate in the Council Chamber on Monday 13th October giving young
people a taste of the decision making process and raising awareness
of how of the Council works.
Pupils from St Francis of Assisi School, Skelmersdale, took part
in the ‘Rubbish Roadshow’ to discuss the importance of recycling
and protecting the environment.
The school nominated a ‘Chief Executive’ for the day to sit
beside the Council’s Chairman, Cllr Cyril Ainscough, to help run
the mock meeting. All the other pupils were treated as
‘Councillors’ during the sessions. Real members of the Council also
participated in a question and answer session with the young
people/pupils.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Grant, said:"We place great
importance in encouraging young people to give their views and
become actively involved in democracy and decision making, which is
why these ‘mock’ debates are so popular. The idea behind it is to
give young people a feel for what it is like for councillors to
discuss topical issues and provide a fun way of giving pupils a
real insight into how local democracy works. Similar events in
previous years have been beneficial and I’m sure this year’s will
be popular too."
Anyone who would like to find out more about how the Council
works should visit our council and democracy pages.
Related information
> Democracy and decision making
> The Chairman of the council