A PARTY of French students were given a behind the scenes look at democracy in Bromsgrove during their visit to the town.
The 30 got to meet Civic Head, Coun John Ruck, whilst on their fact-finding question-and-answer session at the Council House in Burcot Lane.
The exchange trip was organised by LEC – a Paris-based organisation which provides language courses for French students in other countries, including the UK, the USA and some in Europe.
Coun Ruck said: “It was very encouraging to see a group of civic-minded young people interested in studying another society.
“They saw that the way we do things here is rather different from the French system.
“They were surprised that my role as Civic Head was unpaid and that the position does not have the same power or responsibilities as a French Mayor.”
He added he hoped they would take back what they had learned.
“After all, every democracy relies on each new generation understanding their role as citizens, so that they can participate – and bring forward new ideas for improvement.”
Any young person’s group or school which wants to set up an educational visit to Bromsgrove District Council House should email Sharon Chaplin at [email protected] or call her on 01527 881484.
