Climate change / system change

I’m so disgusted by the way Lancashire County Council, and some of its staff, treated the youth of Preston today, that I cannot get round to editing my photographs. The youngsters went in a peaceful march to the council offices, but no one would come out of the office to speak to them and they were not allowed beyond the barriers. I saw staff trying to push them. This was bad because there was absolutely no reason for anyone to force their way through the small crowd. There are plenty of entrances and exits to this building. The youths were in no way rude or abusive. Also, a young child of around 5 years old was refused access to the toilet. The poor little lad was in floods of tears. A female member of staff was filmed swearing and putting up two fingers! The young people remained calm throughout but were obviously disappointed as I think they had expected a better reception. There were a couple of teachers in the crowd and I hope they report this stuff. I will add that some of the staff were polite but said there was nothing they could do, and they weren’t allowed to say anything.

In complete contrast someone came out of the offices in the nearby town of Chorley and spoke to the crowd there. He got himself a microphone, thanked the kids for coming, agreed that it was an extremely important issue and said that he and the council were interested in their views and ideas, both now and in the future. I believe they also invited the youths to a question and answer session. Well done, Chorley!

A Lancashire County Councillor lives on the next street to me. In the past she had proved to be a reasonable person, but I will soon know what she thinks about it all.

Update: The youths went back to the council offices today (Monday) and they got an apology of sorts. Someone came out to talk to them but said he couldn't comment on the behaviour of some of the council and staff. The original peaceful march through Preston and visit to the council office was facilitated by the police, so why staff called the police station for unnecessary re-enforcement is beyond belief!