Students get to play at Paxman

Couns Rebecca Leigh, Tracey Taylor and Hazel Brand took questions from the panel of students over a range of national and local issues - from crime and health to education and politics.

Those asking questions were a mix of Year 12 and 13 law, critical thinking and government and politics A-Level students, as well as those interested in taking part in the special event.

Student Daniel Patterson asked the panel if it was true that Worksop Ambulance Station was to be shut down, and what students could do about it.

Conservative councillor Tracey Taylor said: “Put simply, yes, the station here in Worksop probably will close, but that’s not to say we won’t have an ambulance service.

“As I understand it, the current station is no longer fit for purpose. Does it mean we won’t have one in the future? I don’t know.”

Independent Coun Hazel Brand and Labour Coun Rebecca Leigh both urged students to arm themselves with as much information as possible about the proposed closure.

Said Coun Brand: “The response times in Bassetlaw are the worst in the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) region and something needs to be done about it.”

“It’s really important you look at the facts - I encourage you to attend as many meetings as possible and sign petitions.”

Coun Leigh added: “I don’t want to lose our ambulance service and I urge people to sign petitions, talk to local councillors and tell people about it so they are aware of the situation.”

Outwood Post-16 Centre Worksop principal Elaine Hamilton congratulated the students for putting together a range of incisive and thought-provoking questions.

“We are delighted that Worksop councillors have come here to the Post-16 Centre to hold a Question Time event,” she said.

“There has been some outstanding questions about both local and national concerns, including issues that are very important to this area such as the ambulance station.”

Speaking after the event, Coun Leigh, who is also the Young Person’s Ambassador at Bassetlaw Council, said she was proud to be part of the Question Time session.

“I thought the students asked some really impressive and well-thought out questions - it’s a great opportunity for them to get involved, which makes them feel involved in things which matter to them,” she said.

“I think the more opportunities young people have to express themselves, the more people will take notice of them.”

She added: “I want to hold more in future and look at rolling them out across the district.

“The students came up with some really interesting questions and opinions on issues such as voting under 16, which I can take back to the Youth Council.”