Teenagers quiz decision makers at question time event

Superintendent Alistair Mallen of GMP Rochdale is questioned during the Question Time event

Politicians and senior officers from the Council and police were quizzed by Rochdale’s young people, during a Question Time event hosted by Rochdale Youth Forum at Touchstones.

The session gave youngsters an opportunity to put the issues that affect them to the borough’s top decision makers.

The event was officially opened by Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for Rochdale, Leon Hollinrake, who said: "We need more opportunities like this to discuss issues that are affecting us, to have our voices heard and for officials to have a better understanding of Rochdale’s youth.”

Among those representing the council was Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, Councillor Donna Martin, and Director of Children's Services, Gail Hopper. Also present was Superintendent Alistair Mallen of GMP Rochdale.

Councillor Donna Martin said: “The event was a really good chance to listen to the things that actually matter to young people in Rochdale. The discussions were incredibly mature, and I was particularly impressed at the amount of thought that everyone involved put into their own positions, regardless of whether we were discussing infrastructure, education or health.”