A question of democracy (From The Argus)

A question of democracy

BBC newsreader Nicholas Owen chaired A Question Time-style local democracy event for schoolchildren.

In the hot seats were borough councillor Adam De Save; Fred Marden, host of BBC Southern Counties' Breakfast Show; Jonathan Batty, Surrey county wicketkeeper; Des Shepherd, of Reigate & Banstead Council of Voluntary Service, and from the police, Chief Inspector Sharon Bush.

Asking questions about leisure activities, improved recycling and other subjects were students from The Beacon School, Banstead, Oakwood School, Horley, Reigate School, Dunottar School, Reigate, and Warwick School and St. Bede's in Redhill.

The youngsters used electronic voting equipment in the town hall council chamber to answer questions about democracy put to them.

Council leader Joan Spiers urged the youngsters to think about getting involved in politics and to consider the ways they could help address issues they raised.