Local Democracy Week Events
From Monday 10 to Friday 14 October a special programme of events will run in the borough's schools and in the community exploring how the choices voters make can influence the day-to day running of Wigan Borough.
Local Democracy Week will see the return of the popular Councillors' Challenge, where brave councillors will answer questions from the borough's young people who will then vote to save their favourite in an exciting online game. This year, councillors Bob Brierley, Joel Haddley and Ged Bretherton have agreed to take part.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be mayor? One lucky teenager in the borough will find out as they are elected 'Mayor for the Day'. They will gain a unique insight into what it's like to be the borough's first citizen.
Wigan's very own Question Time will be appearing at schools across the borough. Pupils will be able to quiz councillors on the issues that matter to them on the following dates at these venues:
Tuesday 11 October - Morning Session - Westleigh High School with Cllrs Pam Stewart, Fred Walker, Myra Whiteside, Bob Brierley
Tuesday 11 October - Afternoon Session - The Byrchall High School with Cllrs Paul Tushingham, Luke Cowley, Gary Wilkes and James Talbot
Wednesday 12 October – Morning Session – Shevington High School with Cllrs Paul Collins, Mike Crosby and Emma McGurrin
In the run-up to Local Democracy Week young people will also have the opportunity to have their say in a Youth Council and during the week itself a special 'Cabinet in the Community' event will take place at Wigan Town Hall.
Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Joy Birch says: "Democracy has helped to make the borough what it is today. The decisions we make shape so many aspects of our day to day lives.
"That's why Local Democracy Week is one of the most important events on the borough's calendar. In the years to come, our young people will influence the future of Wigan, so learning about how democracy works will be a valuable experience for them."
To find out more about Local Democracy Week visit the Local Government Association (external link) website and search for 'Local Democracy Week'.
