School question time for councillors

Politicians got a grilling from St Richard's Catholic College students on Tuesday, in what was billed as a 'speed dating' question and answer session.

Councillors from Rother District Council, Hastings Borough Council and officers faced rounds of three-minute questions from pupils before they moved on to face cross-examinations by other students.

It is part of a drive by East Sussex County Council to get young people participating in politics.

Participation officer Maggie Boulter said: "We have challenged the year 9 students to start thinking about the political process and what it means to them.

"It is important for young people to think about their futures as citizens and how they can get involved in the political process.

"Councillors seem to like this activity because it gives them a chance to talk to young people and get to spend more time with them.

"It is very much the students of St Richard's who are running the event. The pupils have thought about their questions, we have timers for the event and people serving tea and coffee.

"We shouldn't think young people aren't interested in politics. My experience is they are very interested and very capable of being involved in politics."

Rother councillor Brian Kentfield said: "I have been very impressed by some of the questions. Some have been very topical."

Other Bexhill councillors involved included Town Mayor Cllr Paul Lendon, Cllr Joy Hughes and Cllr Michael Ensor.