YOUNGSTERS from Greenfylde, Swanmead and Wadham schools got the chance to grill the Mayor of Ilminster, Cllr Julie Fowler, during a recent event.

Cllr Fowler welcomed pupils from the three schools to the council offices where they got a taste of democracy in action as they posed questions about their local area and proved that they are all active citizens with a keen interest in local developments.

Questions ranged from ones about The Rec, to transport and even current crime fighting measures.

Wadham School’s business manager, Sheila Taylor, said: “The questions and answers session with the Ilminster Mayor is really valuable as it gives some of our students who live in Ilminster the opportunity to see local politics in action and to have direct input to the town council.

“They very much enjoy having the chance to talk about how they would like to see Ilminster develop and raise local issues they are concerned about.”

Cllr Fowler said: “The wide range of questions, both national and local, certainly put me in the hot seat, and I can sympathise with those who have been grilled by Jeremy Paxman!

“It was interesting to hear the students’ concerns, which encompassed topics such as green issues, the problem of litter in Ilminster, car parking provision, after-school clubs and street parties for special celebrations.

“Everyone asked a question, which were put in a very confident and assured manner and the supplementary questions showed an amazing in-depth knowledge of the subject.

“At the end of the afternoon I stressed the importance of voting and expressed the hope that one day some of them might stand for election to a local authority or Parliament.”