Wimbledon Pupils Get A Taste Of Local Politics

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Events to mark Local Democracy Week

Local school children got a taste of local politics during Local Democracy Week this week as the council and local MPs laid on events to demonstrate democracy in action.

All of this week, pupils are being given tours of the Civic Centre, which includes viewing the council chamber to see where local decisions are made and a talk by the mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser in her parlour.

A quick stop on the 14th floor of the Civic Centre in Morden allowed schoolchildren to identify key London landmarks.

Wimbledon’s MP Stephen Hammond visited Hillcross Primary School in Morden, All Saints CofE School in Colliers Wood and the Priory School, Wimbledon while Siobhain McDonagh MP hosted a tour of the Houses of Parliament for the ninth consecutive year for 100 children from schools in Mitcham and Morden.

In addition to the activities held during Local Democracy Week, in January 2017 Merton Children’s Council will welcome Merton councillors for a talk on local democracy followed by a question and answer session.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Katy Neep said: “We are delighted to welcome young people from across the borough to look behind the scenes of how the council in Merton operates.

“Enabling the active participation of all of our young people, be it through democracy week, youth parliament, Children in Care Council or our Young Inspectors, it is something we take great pride of here in Merton.”

Local Democracy Week aims to increase democratic participation at a local level, encouraging young people to get involved. To find out more, visit www.merton.gov.uk/localdemocracyweek.

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October 13, 2016