Mock Council Meeting
Published: 02 April 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Mock Council Meeting – 21 March 2025
Loughton Town Council invited eighteen members of Staples Road School Council to attend a “Mock Council Meeting” in the Council Chamber at our office in Rectory Lane on Friday, 21 March 2025.
An agenda was distributed to the School Councillors prior to the meeting, for them to consider the points up for discussion. Agenda items included:
· Town Mayor’s Engagements and Announcements
· Who Does What
· VE Day 80th Anniversary – A Shared Moment of Celebration
· Horticultural Show – 6 September 2025
· Loughton Day – 20 September 2025
· Question and Answer Session with the Town Mayor
The aim of this meeting was to introduce the pupils to the role of the Town Council and how its meetings are conducted. To highlight the events we hold and to receive feedback on what they would like to see at our events and their ideas on how we can improve Loughton.
Some of their ideas for improving the Town involved better provision for dog owners to clear up dog poo. Improvements to pavements and roads across the Town, and measures for greater crime detection to make the Town a safer and nicer place to live were prominent. There was a high demand for more food outlets in the High Road with a greater variety on offer, and not surprisingly several of them would like to see the return of a sports shop and a toy shop to the High Road! Skate parks and Water Parks were also top of their wish lists for leisure activities.
It was explained that the Town Council is not the only local authority, and that other councils, e.g. District and County have responsibility for some of these areas.
Overall, the general consensus was that Loughton was a good place to live with quite a lot to offer residents here. The Forest was highly appreciated.
At the end of the session, the children were given an opportunity to try on the Mayor’s Chain of Office and have their photographs taken. This was obviously a highlight, and they all agreed that they had enjoyed the experience of attending this meeting.
The Town Mayor and Town Clerk were enthralled at the level of participation from all eighteen School Councillors, and felt the children were a credit to both their school and parents on their conduct at the meeting. They had clearly given great thought to the agenda items discussed and showed a good depth of understanding and knowledge on each of the topics covered.
The enthusiasm and articulation of the councillors in putting across their questions and ideas was a revelation and extremely encouraging. Loughton Town looks to be in good hands for the future should these young School Councillors look to continue with their civic duties.
For more information contact:
Mark Squire (Town Clerk)
Tel: 020 8508 4200
Date: 31 March 2025
