Politicians 'too old' say pupils

Politicians are too old and polling stations should be set up in pubs, shops or supermarkets according to youngsters in Worcester.

The views come after a Question Time event was held in the city's Guildhall as part of Local Democracy Week.

The event gave 15 to 16-years-olds from four local schools the chance to question councillors on issues which affect them.

The question and answer session also revealed that most of the teenagers who took part did not believe voting was important.

Some of the findings were disturbing considering the importance of the issues involved and the fact that this group will soon be tomorrow's voters. Councillor Simon Geraghty

Yet despite one in six of the pupils suggesting they may stand for election if they thought they could change things, the group were in favour of allowing 16-years-olds to vote.

Worcester City Council's deputy leader Simon Geraghty said: "Some of the findings were disturbing considering the importance of the issues involved and the fact that this group will soon be tomorrow's voters.

"If nothing else the event hammered home our need to be more pro-active in engaging with young people to show how we can more closely respond to their needs and aspirations."

The event, which was held over the last five days, revealed that issues such as drug abuse, leisure and entertainment, crime, employment and high bus fares, were important to the group.