MP holds football surgeries to engage with young people in Kendal

On Thursday local MP Tim Farron held another highly successful day of "Football Surgeries" with young people on three estates in Kendal. Tim played a series of five-a-side games with over a hundred youngsters in Sandylands, Kirkbarrow and Hallgarth.

The popular format enables young people to voice their opinions on local and national issues in an informal setting. A popular topic amongst the youngsters was the future of the Multi Use Games Areas, in which the surgeries are held. Participants in Kirkbarrow presented Tim with a petition they had compiled lobbying for a revamp of their Area, including a request for a re-painting of their equipment and suggestions on a suitable colour scheme. Other ideas included having an energy-saving system for flood lighting in the play areas based on motion sensors.

Speaking after the last surgery Tim said: "These surgeries are a superb opportunity to hear about the issues important to young people in our area. These young people have thoughtful and considered views on local and national issues that deserve as much attention as those of older constituents. I have listened closely to all of their fantastic suggestions and will work hard to action as many of these as possible. However, after playing football non-stop for 4 and a half hours with dozens of energetic young people, I am now going to have a sit down!'