Local democracy week in Hereford

Herefordshire councillors turned out in force for friendly face-to-face discussions with young people as part of a national campaign aimed at engaging them in the decision-making process.

Twelve councillors appeared at Herefordshire College of Art and Design, Hereford, and at the Royal Hotel, Ross-on-Wye, on Thursday, October 20, as part of Local Democracy Week, held between October 17 – 24.

The Leader of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Roger Phillips, and Cabinet Members Cllr Roy Stockton, (Community Services) Cllr Mike Wilson, (Resources) and Phil Edwards, (Environment), teamed up with Cllr Sally Robertson, Cllr Keith Grumbley, Cllr Polly Andrews and Cllr David Fleet for the Hereford debate.

Meanwhile The Chairman of Herefordshire Council, Cllr John Edwards, The Mayor of Ross, Cllr Gordon Lucas, and fellow colleagues Cllr Anne Gray and Cllr Mark Cunningham attended the Ross talk. 

Roving reporters from the Hereford-based Youth Times magazine InSITE had the opportunity to quiz councillors at the Hereford event.

“Engaging young people in politics, both locally and nationally, is very important,” said Cllr Roger Phillips.

“To this end, the event at the Herefordshire College of Art and Design was very worthwhile.

“It proved to me that young people are interested in politics and some of the questions from the floor were very mature and challenging.

“Herefordshire Council will continue to work with young people to engage them in local democracy.”

During the meetings councillors had an opportunity to participate in DJ workshops as well as other games.