Local Democracy Week got off to a flying start in South Derbyshire on Monday 13 October, 2008 with double act from two Councillors.

Conservative Councillor Pat Murray joined forces with Labour Councillor Gordon Rhind to keep sixth formers at Pingle School entertained and educated about how local politics works.

Says Mrs Jo Wilson, Head of Sixth Form at Pingle School, “The two South Derbyshire councillors kept students engrossed for whole hour. In an unscripted dialogue they made local government come alive and got over to the students the true costs for the community of anti-social behaviour.”

All Councillors in South Derbyshire have been invited to go into secondary schools to talk to and to listen to young people during Local Democracy Week. The Councillors will be giving an insight into local government and how young people can get involved as well as the importance of them using their right to vote in the future.

The schools taking part at Pingle School, John Port School, William Allitt School and Granville School.

On Tuesday 14 October Frank McArdle, Chief Executive of South Derbyshire District Council talked to students at John Port School from 10.15 am

Says Frank McArdle, “Councillors and staff are committed to promoting local democracy in South Derbyshire. I explained to the young people how parish, district and county councils work together to make South Derbyshire a better place to live.”