Millom MP quizzed over Duddon Estuary bridge plans
Last updated at 14:40, Tuesday, 09 March 2010
A BRIDGE across the Duddon Estuary, leisure facilities and education were all debated when Copeland’s MP took part in a Question Time-style event.
Around 30 children and young people quizzed Jamie Reed and discussed with him the things they want now and in the future.
The event took place at Millom Network Centre, which is in the school grounds of Millom School in Salthouse Road.
The session was organised as part of Millom “Together We Can,” run by Cumbria County Council and other organisations.
The students were from Millom School, St James’ Catholic Primary School and Millom Infant School.
Millom School students discussed the GCSE improvements at their school, which led to a national award, and there was a healthy debate about the introduction of new courses.
Millom School pupil, Joe Mansergh, raised his plan about introducing a BMX track in Bootle, where he lives.
He has already presented his idea to Bootle Parish Council and got support through a petition.
Mr Reed said it was a great idea, adding that the Seascale model of a bike track shows what a determined community can achieve.
Millom Infant School pupils, aged between five and seven, told the MP they would like a motor bike park, roller discos, a skate park, an ice rink and more bins for the litter.
A group of seven to 11-year-olds from St James’ Catholic Primary School said they believe there is a need for a bridge across the Duddon Estuary from Millom to Barrow.
Mr Reed said he could also see the benefits and he hopes there will be a bridge in the next decade.
Mr Reed said: “I was very impressed with the quality and maturity of the questions submitted by the students on Friday.
“It was good practise for the forthcoming political hustings.”
Sheelagh Wilson, school administrator at St James’ Catholic Primary School, said: “It was a good event. It was nice for the children to meet our MP.
“Our children were concerned about getting a bridge from Millom to Barrow.
“They think it is important,because they travel to Barrow in the car.
“They were also concerned about parking in Millom.
“They also want to see more policing on the streets.
“It was a good experience.”
First published at 13:12, Tuesday, 09 March 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
When I was at school there were mock elections held on the day of a General Election. Students, usually sixth formers stood as MPs. They had a campaign team, wrote a manifesto and spoke in assembly after prayers. This engaged us in the political process. I suggest it would be a good idea in Millom.
I would also like to see the MP and all the Prospective Parliamentary candidates do a question and answer session at Millom School. The youth are our future and they need to be involved in the political process.Posted by Jane Micklethwaite on 9 March 2010 at 17:49