MEMBERS of 3rd Ben Rhydding Scouts visited Ilkley Town Hall on the invitation of chairman of Ilkley Parish Council, Cllr Stephen Butler to learn about democracy as part of their Community Challenge badge.
Cllr Butler outlined how democracy works through Westminster, Bradford Council and Ilkley Parish Council and gave information about local MPs, Bradford councillors and Ilkley councillors who are volunteers.
The scouts also found out more about Ilkley Town Hall and its history, the Ilkley Parish Council Coat of Arms and the chains of office, which each scout was able to try on.
The scouts then took part in a debate about whether CCTV should be installed in Ilkley. The event was attended by David Shaw, community scout commissioner who said: "It was very enlightening to hear teenagers' views and perceptions about vandalism and crime issues in Ilkley and where these types of incidents take place. It was very clear that youth views in this case and feedback are very important to help make important decisions for Ilkley."
Cllr Butler would be pleased to hear from any other youth organisations who wish to visit the town hall to learn about local government.
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