Sixth-formers at Greenhill School in Tenby have been getting a taste of local democracy in a special one-day conference. 'Your Council, Your Call' gave students the chance to discuss the sort of real-life decisions made every day by a local authority like Pembrokeshire County Council. The pupils were split into management teams and asked to decide how to spend a £7 million budget for the forthcoming year. They were presented with a variety of competing projects, from a £1.5 million pedestrianisation scheme to a £700,000 respite care centre and £1.4 million multiplex cinema. Issues discussed included employment, education, health, the environment, social care, transport, culture and the Welsh language. The conference took place during Local Democracy Week 2004, whose theme this year was helping young people become more involved with decision-making and planning at a local level. Mr. Bryn Parry-Jones, chief executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: "'Your Council, Your Call' aimed to introduce the role of local government and the wide range of services provided by the authority. "It is also intended to develop important skills like communication and teamwork, and highlight the career opportunities available for young people within Pembrokeshire County Council," he said. At the end of the day, students gave presentations to their fellow classmates on how they would spend the budget. The group which displayed the best teamwork was presented with an award by Clr. Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children, young people and the Welsh language, who congratulate them on their work. The day was organised by Pembrokeshire County Council together with Careers Wales West.
