Mayor Welcomes 10th Haywards Heath Guides to Experience Local Democracy
- Kelly Lewis
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Thursday 20 November 2025 was a memorable evening for the 10th Haywards Heath Guides, who took over the Haywards Heath Town Hall chamber from 7.30pm onwards for a special council session hosted by the Town Mayor.
More than 20 Guides took part in this unique hands-on experience, designed to give them a real feel for what it’s like to be a local decision-maker. On arrival, the Town Council provided the Guides with a formal agenda, and for the evening they were treated exactly like councillors - complete with discussions, debates, and opportunities to influence community matters.
The session opened with a verbal presentation from the Town Mayor, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, who explained the role of a Town Mayor, their responsibilities, and the wide range of community activities they support. The Guides asked thoughtful questions and were keen to understand how local decisions are made and how young voices can shape the town’s future.
Guides then moved on to their agenda items - genuine community topics which they wanted to raise. Working together, they debated:
The creation of a local dog park and the benefits it could bring for residents and pet owners.
Forming a volunteer litter-picking group to help keep Haywards Heath clean and welcoming.
Improving public and animal waste bins across the town to tackle ongoing waste-management concerns.
Safer parking and driving during peak times, especially around busy school and commuter routes.
The Guides approached each subject with maturity, creativity, and a real sense of civic responsibility—impressing both councillors and the Mayor with their ideas and engagement.
Events like this highlight the value of involving young people in local democracy. By experiencing how council decisions are made, the Guides gained insight into how communities function, how challenges are addressed, and how every resident - young or old - can play a role in shaping Haywards Heath.
The 10th Haywards Heath Guides left the Town Hall inspired, informed, and empowered. Who knows - perhaps a future councillor, community leader, or even Mayor was among them that evening!
