POLITICALLY minded pupils have sparked an economic debate with local councillors on a host of hot topics affecting their community.
Sixth form students from Northallerton College met with officials at Hambleton District Council to challenge councillors on concerns over issues including car parking, better transport links and local hospital ward closures.
The 15 pupils, who are all studying A level economics, were invited to visit the council offices by development officer Kate Staines as part of National Democracy Week.
Northallerton College associate principal Mike Holmes said: “Visiting the council offices gave our student a great opportunity to interact with local officials.
“They got to debate on local and national issues and to see where decisions are made in our town about our future.
“Our economics class are a very bright group of students and it was good for them to get to know more about Hambleton District Council and local politics in general.”
Students were also given the opportunity to act out role play scenarios as doctors, business owners and head teachers to discuss with councillors the allocation of a £500,000 budget.
Abbie Grange, 16, of West Rounton, who is studying maths, economics, biology and geography at A level, said: “The event linked well to my sixth form studies, in particular economics as we discussed and debated the budget in the local area.
“I particularly enjoyed challenging Councillor Bridget Fortune on current issues, such as the closure of departments at the Friarage Hospital and car parking on the high street.
“The experience has prompted me to be much more willing to write to councillors or politicians in the future regarding decisions that may affect me.”
Euan Cameron, 16, of Northallerton, who is studying economics, history, geography and English literature, added: “Visiting Hambleton District Council gave us much more of an insight into the work of parish councils and local councils.
“Although the visit was very interesting I think that there should be more interaction between councils and young people to enable our voice to be heard in local politics.
“We need to be able to have more of a say in the decisions that are made that will affect our economic future.”