Fearless secondary school pupils pressured the leaders of the three main political groups in Brent into publicly revealing their pre-election pledges at a special community event.
Pupils of Ark Academy in Bridge Road, Wembley, quizzed councillors Muhammed Butt, Suresh Kansagra and Paul Lorber, leaders of Brent Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats groups respectively, on their strategy on dealing with some of the borough’s most harrying issues ahead of the May council elections.
The students then pushed councillors to put pen to paper and publicly note down their promises to better living wage, social care and to bluster safety on streets at the special ceremony which took place in Willesden New Testament Church of God on High Road Willesden.
Members of the 350 strong audience were also invited to sign a charter drawn up by community charity Citizen, which aims at improving the conditions for carer and those cared for in the borough.
The charity was also acknowledged for their achievements over the past 12 months, including successfully lobbying Transport for London bosses to increase the frequency of a route 206 bus service which stops outside the school.
Delia Smith, headeacher, said: “As founder members of North London Citizens, we are extremely proud of the commitment of our students and staff have made forging links and working with other community groups in Brent.
“It was fantastic that their efforts were recognised in the first Brent Citizens’ Assembly.
“The students have gained so much from working with the wider community and developing their understanding of how to make a difference.”
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