Last updated at 20:23, Thursday, 31 May 2012

Yer seven pupils at Cockermouth School have raised issues that concern them with Allerdale council leader Alan Smith.

The pupils wrote letters to Coun Smith and cited dog fouling and facilities for youngsters as some of their concerns.

It followed a visit by the leader, Allerdale and town councillor Len Davies and Workington mayor Andrew Lawson as part of a citizenship class.

The councillors talked about democracy and encouraged pupils to raise issues of concern with local councils.

Coun Smith said: “It is important that young people understand how councils work and how they can have their say about the council services that impact on their lives and those of family and friends.

“The issues raised give me as an elected councillor a valuable insight into young people today and the voters of tomorrow.

“These pupils want to see a positive difference being made to the environment and communities in which they live.”

Mat Richards, citizenship co-ordinator at the school, added: “Through personal development lessons we build up an attitude among pupils that they can and should get directly involved with democratic processes to shape the future of their communities.

“We start at a local level in year seven and move on to national and international engagement later in the school.”

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 31 May 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk