Council welcomes 10-year-old’s petition
Vale of White Horse District Council has welcomed a petition presented by a 10-year-old and is encouraging other young people to get involved in local democracy.
Lizzie Pugh from Faringdon gave a presentation arguing the need for a new splash park at her hometown to the council’s Cabinet meeting on Friday 22 July.
In her presentation, Miss Pugh highlighted how other towns have splash parks but Faringdon doesn’t.
She explained that creating a splash park would stop families driving elsewhere to access them, thus being better for the environment, and would help children be more active.
Councillor Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, said: “I understand why Lizzie feels it’s unfair that other towns have a splash park and Faringdon doesn’t.
“Splash parks are not cheap to install and there are ongoing running costs – something Lizzie had already considered – so it is not something that the council could fund outright but we will bear the idea of a splash park in mind when working on our plans and strategies for leisure activities across the Vale.”
Lizzie’s mum Rebekah said: “‘Lizzie is an inspiration and as her parents we couldn’t be prouder. Lizzie has seen an injustice and rather than just getting cross about it she has decided to fight for equality, inspiring her friends to help and the local community to get involved.
“She is a wonderful example to all that we live in a democratic society and we all have the power to be the catalyst for change.
“I’m absolutely sure that she and her friends will keep going and that the future young people of Faringdon will be able to enjoy a splash park.”
Councillor Bethia Thomas, Deputy Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council and ward councillor for Faringdon, was delighted to see such initiative from one of our younger residents.
She said: “It’s great to see younger people getting involved in local democracy and fighting for what they believe in.
“While sometimes we as a council aren’t able to provide everything people ask for, we always welcome suggestions and ideas.
“I hope Lizzie inspires her peers to take an active role in their communities. One could even be a council leader of the future!”
A recording of the Cabinet meeting is available on the council’s YouTube channel.
You can find out more about how you can get involved in local democracy at our website: https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/local-democracy-and-elections/
