Lambeth Youth Mayor & UK Youth Parliament Representative elections 2009

When Labour took up office in May 2006 one of our main manifesto pledges was to give Lambeth’s children and young people a voice by holding the borough’s first ever Youth Mayor elections. This was the first time that a Youth Mayor was elected in Lambeth.

The campaign is aimed at young people aged between 11-21 living, working or studying in Lambeth and the second election will be held on Thursday 26 February 2009.

Lambeth's Youth Mayor and UK Youth Parliament programmes are central elements of the boroughs youth participation agenda and an important way of providing Lambeth's young people with an effective sense of involvement with council services. It will also enable young people to share their views on priorities for change within the borough.

A record number 34 young people stood for the election last year and the winner was 15 year old Satya Panigrahi, who topped the poll with over 700 votes.

There are 15 candidates standing for election this year and you can read about their priorities and ideas at Youth Mayor 4 Lambeth

Voting will take place across Lambeth Schools, online and at selected Youth Centres on Thursday 26 February 2009 - if you are between the ages of 11 -21, make your voice heard and be sure to vote.

Free Theatre tickets to under 26-year olds

Young people across the UK will be given free theatre tickets in a new £2.5 million government- funded scheme.
Living in London we have a range of different theatres and lots of young and upcoming talent in the world of the Arts and it is only right that young people have access to explore this. The scheme will encourage young people to experience live theatre shows and discover the wonderful world of the arts and culture.

This is great news for all young people in Lambeth with theatres including the Young Vic and the National Theatre, both situated in Lambeth taking part in the programme.

Other theatres across London participating include the Almeida in Islington, the Greenwich Theatre House, the Soho Theatre and Battersea Arts Centre.

With the half term week due to start next week (16 -20 Feb) this would be a great opportunity for young people in Lambeth to visit one of the many theatres participating in the scheme. The scheme offers thousand of theatre tickets to a whole range of events including comedy, musical theatres, dance, modern mine plays and many more.

It is really easy to apply for the tickets – all you need to do is type in your postcode, find a theatre near you and book. For more information and a full list of participating theatres log onto A Night Less Ordinary

Councillor clears the snow

by Brixton Hill Councillor, Steve Reed:

What a shock to wake up to a London buried deep under the snow this morning! It may have looked pretty, but the snow has meant many public services are closed or running a reduced service because of staff shortages. With the buses, trains and most tube lines closed, many people had trouble getting into work this morning.

Lambeth did a good job in keeping the main roads open to traffic. Our gritters were out from late last night making sure all priority roads were treated. Thanks to that effort, all the main roads – including bus routes – were passable this morning. With the main roads properly gritted, attention then moved to the side streets and pavements. The street sweepers have been instructed to move to gritting footways and pavements and that work’s carrying on right now – with more snow expected overnight. Their first priority is town centres, stations and bus stops where there are more people. I went out with a team of gritters this afternoon, seeing the good work they’re doing outside in the freezing cold and lending a hand myself.

Nevertheless, many pavements – even along main roads – are still covered in compact snow. People are advised to take great care walking along them as they can be extremely slippy.
Because of the public transport problems, many services have been left understaffed as employees were unable to get into work or had to stay at home to look after children whose schools were closed. For instance, Lambeth’s call centre is extremely short staffed today and callers are finding it difficult to get through. I asked for a full explanation to be recorded for people calling in so they know what’s going on and when to call back if they can’t get through.

Despite all the difficulties caused by the snow – the heaviest seen in London for 18 years – there’s a really positive spirit out on the streets. I was really struck by how many people were talking to complete strangers as I made my way along the snow-covered pavements to the town hall this morning. I spotted quite a few adults reliving their childhood days hurling snowballs at their friends and colleagues out on the streets.

While many people found it difficult to get into work today, I’d like to offer my thanks to those employees at the council and throughout the public services in our borough who braved the snow and came into work to keep our services running despite the very difficult conditions.

Originally posted: http://stevereed.org.uk/?PageId=7fcb8d7a-5b75-dc84-1104-884678d10fa1