“If he’s old enough to vote, he should be old enough to have a say.” Potential teen councillor brings mixed views.

by James Crouch

The news that local teenager Alex Ellis-Roswell, 16, could potentially become the UK’s youngest councillor in the 2011 local elections has been met with a mixed response from the public in Canterbury.

The Libertarian Party member says he has long been interested in politics, and the former pupil of Barton Court Grammar School in Canterbury, hopes to bring fresh ideas to the city. “There is a south east branch but I am planning to set up one in Canterbury to help raise the party’s profile locally in time for the elections” said the youngster.

Some Canterbury residents don’t seem to be so sure, though. Ruth Wood went as far as to call the idea “ridiculous”, as he was “not experienced enough”. The 58 year-old also questioned whether “should someone that young have that responsibility?” 79 year-old Betty Winslow also gave a scathing view, not only on Alex, but also on Kent County Council in general, as she said she had “given up all hope with them.”

Though some remained indifferent to the possibility, others were in fact rather supportive of young Alex, as many argued he deserved as fair a chance as anyone. “I think it’s a good idea – if he’s old enough to vote, he should be old enough to have a say” claimed Lorraine Peachy, herself a former Council Worker. Tim Hedgecock, 29, agreed, remarking “if it can help young people get a say in their local community, it must be a good thing.”

Though many may feel worried about Alex’s lack of experience, others obviously feel it is a step in the right direction for politics. It could well be an opportunity for one youngster, and maybe others in the future, to really make a difference to their local community.

Pope missing Canterbury on UK visit

by Jamie Feltham and Josh Gray

Disappointment hit Canterbury recently as it was revealed that Pope Benedict XVI will be not be visiting during his trip to the UK from September 16 – 19th this year. The news came with particular surprise seeing as Pope John Paul II included the city in his visit in 1982.

CCCU Student News spoke to a member of staff at the Canterbury Cathedral, one of the main reasons for the Pope to visit “Of course, in 1982 the archbishop and the pope prayed together, so it is a shame. This Cathedral is the mother church of the Anglican Communion. The St. Peter’s Church in Rome was the mother church of the Catholic communion, so that shows how important the Cathedral is to Canterbury.”

We also asked a few students what they thought on the matter. The response was generally one of disappointment, “Personally I think it’s a bit of a disgrace considering its one of the most religious cities in England.” Says first year, Marcus “Just given the Cathedral and the history I think it’s right that he visit.”

Luke Bridgestock, also a first year, agreed, “When people ask you what the most religious place in the country is, the answer is nearly always Canterbury so I think it’s a bit of a joke that he’s not coming and meeting up with the archbishop.” So Canterbury will have to sit this one out it seems.

Where to eat on campus?

by Sam Smith and Jamie Feltham

Nobody loves food like a hungry student, and the CCCU campus has lots of options when it comes to getting a bite to eat. But where is the best place to go for the discerning gastronome?