Councillors put through their paces with political "speed dating"

THURROCK Councillors put themselves under pressure to impress as they partook in a session of “speed-dating” in two Aveley schools.

The elected members were at Kenningtons Primary and Belhus Chase recently, where they were each quizzed by a small group of students for five minuted before moving on to the next group.

Once the youngsters had spoken to all of the councillors, they were asked to vote on how they felt each had dealt with the questions and issues raised, the votes were then totted up and the members were told how they had fared.

The events were organised as part of Local Democracy Week.

Councillors Sue MacPherson(£21.911.07)and Diana Hale(£7.911.07)were among those at Belhus Chase for the afternoon session.

Coun MacPherson(£21.911.07) said: “The children were all members of the school’s parliament and they obviously wanted to make a difference to school life.

“The questions I faced were very interesting and you really had to be able to think on your feet.”

Coun Hale(£7.911.07) added: “Several points came up at different tables so they are obviously important to the pupils.

“I was asked how I got involved in politics and I said I remember my whole family going out to vote.

“Many of the young people said their parents don’t vote and I’m concerned that not voting will become the norm.

“It’s important that young people become engaged in the democratic process and understand how it affects everything in their lives.”

At Belhus Chase the pupils voted Coun MacPherson(£21.911.07)the winner with Coun Carl Morris(£7.911.07) as runner up.

Mayor of Thurrock, Coun John Everett (£19.911.07 , was also in attendance.

Coun MacPherson(£21.911.07)was present at both speed dating events.

She was joined at Kenningtons by Coun Charlie Curtis(£7.911.07), who won the vote, Coun Mike Revell(£7.911.07) and Coun Emma Colgate(£7.911.07).

Thurrock Gazette