Enfield primary school pupils had the chance to take part in a debate about the future of their borough last week.
Some 45 youngsters aged between five and 11, representing 22 primary schools, were at the Millfield Theatre, in Edmonton, to say what they would change in their area.
The theatre, in Silver Street, witnessed one of the young citizens’ first lessons in how to express their wishes to council representatives.
“We wanted the children to play a full part in this,” said Ayfer Orhan, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for children’s services. “Although they are young, their views are still valid.”
The purpose of the session was to get young people’s ideas for the Residents’ Priority Fund, a £2.1million scheme which has been launched by the council to help address social, economic and environmental needs in the borough.
In a lively session children wanted to know about safe parking and traffic near their schools, gangs, cycling arrangements and safety in parks. The police and panel members promised to look into the issues raised.
The children had plenty of ideas. They wanted to see more police officers and street wardens along with first aid training for primary school pupils and themed school garden displays based around the Olympics.
Ms Orhan said: “We have learned a great deal from this event and have a similar one planned for secondary schools in a few weeks’ time.
“We will use the information from these meetings to improve our policies for children and young people.”