Champion David wins youth vote

WINNER . . . David Hibbert

THE votes have been counted and the wait is finally over — the “I’m a Councillor, Get Me Out of Here!” result is in.

Councillor David Hibbert has been named Oldham’s Councillor Youth Champion 2008 after impressing young people during the innovative event.

It saw youngsters encouraged to visit the specially created website — www.big vote.org.uk — to question councillors on hot topics from local government to anti-social behaviour. Every day they got to vote for the councillor they like most, with councillors who failed to impress evicted from the website.

It gave young people the opportunity to become involved with their local council, councillors and community.

Delighted Councillor Hibbert said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and particularly the online chatroom discussions with the lively young people.

“I’d like to thank those that took part and hope it gave them an insight into local democracy. I was really impressed with the level of the questions that they asked and how they genuinely care about local issues such as youth service provision and facilities for children in the borough.

“I want to take this forward by keeping in touch regularly with Oldham Youth Council. I hope to encourage more youngsters to get involved with the youth council and make their points of view known.”

Councillors were glued to their PCs answering questions and chatting online, and visiting schools and youth centres to drum up support.

Councillor James McMahon was second. He said: “I think all councillors should make time to hear the views and address the questions of local youngsters. I found this an excellent way to do that.”

Oldham Youth Council chairman Mohammed Adil said: “It was great to get the chance to question the councillors and show them that young people care about what happens in Oldham.”

To get involved with Oldham Youth Council call Jodie Barber on 0161 770 3116.