The show, Question Cambridgeshire, recorded at CRC, sparked off lively discussions as local politicians debated some of the big issues facing the county, including the A14, migration and education.
The innovative show, which aimed to encourage the public and young people to get involved in local politics, is thought to be a first in the county to be produced by young people.
It was put together by media students at CRC working with Cambridgeshire County Council’s community website team ShapeYourPlace.org. Questions were suggested by the public via ShapeYourPlace.org, with students selecting the final questions for the show.
Five Cambridgeshire County Councillors were involved in the debate – Steve Count (Conservative), John Hipkin (Independent), Peter Reeve (UKIP), Amanda Taylor (Lib Dem) and Ashley Walsh (Labour).
People can join and continue the debate by commenting on the ShapeYourPlace.org video blog showing Question Cambridgeshire on http://cambridge.shapeyourplace.org/video-watch-world-premiere-of-question-cambridgeshire/#.U6QsoY1dXkU.
Wilma Wilkie, Head of Communications and Community Engagement at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "What’s great about Question Cambridgeshire is that people will be able to watch the show and hear what local politicians really think. The media students have produced a fabulous show and in turn have become more passionate about local politics.
"What’s clear is these students are very talented and for many of them this was their last star turn before the next stage in their careers. I wish them well and I’d like to say a big thank you to them and the staff at CRC."
Alan Jones, Deputy Principal at CRC for Teaching and Learning, said: "This was an amazing opportunity for our students to work on a live project and they did a superb job. Their professionalism and attention to detail was first rate and obviously impressed the councillors, who took part in a very engaging debate.
“I was very proud of the students, both for their hard work and organisational skills in the run up to the event and their concentration and ability on the day, which made Shape Your Place’s Question Cambridgeshire a truly excellent event. We look forward to working with them again."
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MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For more information, please contact Lynn O’Shea, Communications & PR Manager, on 01223 418773 or email [email protected]
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