Young People Lead The Way For Local Democracy Week 2006

Pupils from secondary schools across the district led the way at Dover District Council this week when they became Councillors for the day and experienced decision-making processes as part of Local Democracy Week.

The event was held on Thursday 19 October at the Council Chamber in Whitfield. This was the sixth in a series of popular annual events organised by the Council's Democratic Support team as part of national Local Democracy Week. Pupils attended from Archers Court Maths and Computing College, Astor College for the Arts, Dover Grammar School For Boys, Dover Grammar School for Girls, Sandwich Technology College and Walmer School.

The day featured talks and question and answer sessions with Dover District Councillors, and included the Castlefield Challenge, where young people had the opportunity to decide how they would spend their own budgets as members of the fictitious Castlefield Council.

Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, DDC Cabinet Member for Citizenship, said: "We are working hard to listen to young people and give them a real voice in the way we plan for the future of the district, and we were delighted to host this event again this year. This was a great chance to help young people get involved in democracy and it was very encouraging to see pupils taking an active interest in the decision making process."

For more information, please contact the Democratic Support team at Dover District Council on (01304) 872303.