Hundreds of pupils from across the borough swapped their classrooms for Richmond Council chamber.

The 300 children from Richmond’s schools visited York House for a day of activities to find out how the council operates and how decisions are made about the places they live.

The visits, which took place from October 14 to 20, were part of local democracy week, which was held to show young people how taking part in the local democratic process can shape the place you live in.

During the visits the pupils meet the mayor, discussed how young people can make their voices heard and voted on who they think the most important person in the borough is, from MPs to the council’s leader or chief executive.

Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, deputy leader of council, said:"Democracy at a local level is vital. It is how we make decision on what happens to the places we live in and love.

"The thread of local politics runs through everything we do; from the day-to-day activities like roadworks and bin collections to community events, festivals and even the Olympics.

"It’s a cliché, but young people are our future - they are the voters that will deciding what happens to our borough for years to come.

"That is why it is so important for us to educate and involve young people in local democracy at an early age, and it’s wonderful to see so many taking part in this year’s local democracy week."

 

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