Councillors go back to school in Sutton

6.56.30pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 12th Nov 2004

Cllr Sean Brennan, Leader of Sutton Borough Council and Cllr for Sutton Central took a turn recently serving lunches to pupils at Robin Hood Junior School.

Local democracy week is an important part of the civic calendar here at the London Borough of Sutton and this year was no exception.

Councillors from all parties and senior staff took an active part in Local Democracy Week in October when they went back to the shop floor and out and about in the community to listen to and work with residents.

There was a lively Question Time in the Civic Offices, when a panel of community leaders fielded questions. The theme was 'Making your mark' with the emphasis on giving young people a voice in democracy.

Cllr Roger Thistle (Wrythe ward) lent a hand with the ironing when he accompanied Social Services carer Carol Tems (pic left) on her home visit to client Mrs pam Wise.

A number of schools took up the offer to 'take a councillor to school' and several councillors, including Leader Cllr Sean Brennan, visited schools to talk about their role.

"It remains a challenge for us locally, but we are very much preparing to defend our proud twenty year record in 2006. taking time out as Council Leader to spend time in schools, on the street and working with local people is a key part of my role and one I really enjoy.

Cllr Sean Brennan said "This is great initiative and going back out into the community is a really useful reminder - especially as we have been in control of the Council for 18 years now - I place a high premium on this time and find it really worth while."