Local Democracy Week has the theme Take Part, Take Power.   The Play’s The Thing For Democracy  

A lively and interactive play about a blocked drain is the main event at the launch of Local Democracy Week in South Tyneside.  Who Runs This Place? from Solent Peoples Theatre told the tale of a man’s quest to tackle the blocked drain on his property, which straddled two council boundaries!  It gave the packed audience at South Shields Town Hall - members of the public, local schools, Forum 50 and the Young People’s Parliament - an insight into the democratic process, how councils work, committee meetings and decision-making. The play might not sound that interesting but it’s actually a lot of fun and also gives its audience a very good idea of how councils work on a day-to-day basis.

Other Events in South Tyneside during Local Democracy Week

• Speed-dating game, democracy workshops and an opportunity to take on the role of a councillor.
• The Big Debate on Wednesday on What do you do in the evenings and how does it affect other people? This hopes to create better understanding between older and younger people in South Tyneside.
• A student from Harton Technology College, Daniel Allon will find out what it’s like to be Mayor for a day when he accompanies the Mayor as she goes about her official duties.
• There is a special meeting of the council’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee and the Borough-wide School Council for them to learn about each other’s roles.

Read more about South Tyneside’s involvement in Local Democracy Week on their website.

Find out more about the Local Democracy Campaign at www.localdemocracy.org.uk