ELECTION fever is hotting up among Bury’s young people. Eleven candidates are fighting to become the borough’s next Youth MP and to take a seat in the UK’s Youth Parliament.

The hopefuls are campaigning on a variety of issues concerning young people, including public transport, youth clubs and bullying.

Posters highlighting their election pledges are on display in schools and buildings across the borough.

Thousands of youngsters will go to the ballot boxes next Thursday to vote for their first choice, along with two deputies.

Polling stations will be open from 9am to 3pm in all high schools, colleges and Bury Connexions venues.

Everyone aged 11 to 18 who studies or lives in the borough is entitled to vote.

The election winner will replace Bury’s current MYP, 17-year-old Umar Mukhtar, a student at Holy Cross College.

During the past year, he has attended regional meetings in the North West and joined a historic Youth Parliament debate held in the House of Commons.

Cllr Diana Ashworth, Bury Council’s executive member for children and young people, said: “The forthcoming elections are a great way for young people to have their say and get involved.

“I would like to encourage all those who can vote in this year’s poll to take the opportunity to make their voices heard.” Anyone wishing to find out more about the Youth MP elections can contact Heather Cooper on 0161 253 7165.

A summary of each candidate’s manifesto can be seen below.

The youngsters raise a range of topics in their election material, ranging from the cost of travel to schools and colleges, youth club provision in the area and green issues.

Nicholas Jones, aged 17, Holy Cross College

I want to secure more jobs for young people in Bury, more investment in youth clubs and leisure facilities and more investment in schools.

If elected, I would actively seek to put forward these issues so young people would then reap the benefits.

Only with their vote and their input can change for young people be made in Bury.

Vote for Nicholas!

Andy Miller, aged 17, Radcliffe Riverside High

I’m committed to helping young people have a voice and have already attended many meetings. I’ll try to get cheaper travel fares for young people and better accessibility for everyone.

I want to ensure all activities for young people are accessible to everyone.

I’ll also make sure councillors and decision-makers really listen to young people.

Jamie Walker, aged 15 Radcliffe Riverside High School

This year is the time for something different. I already do a lot of work for young people’s services behind the scenes.

If I’m elected, I will try to get more free activities for young people including cinema and bowling, free or much cheaper bus and tram travel, and more social events for young people.

Things should be free! Vote Jamie!

Joshua Achumba, aged 12, Parrenthorn High School

I will listen to your opinion.

I’ll try to change the negative image of young people and represent all young people.

I’ll take people’s ideas and opinions forward,ensure schools and colleges have measures to stop bullying, and raise awareness of gun and knife crime.

I’ll also get more events, activities and leisure places in Bury

Tom Sharman, aged 13, Tottington High School

I believe that adult prices should be for adults only.

We shouldn’t be charged as adults if we’re not old enough to vote!

What about the 80p fee for a bus ride to school? I thought school was free!

If I was elected, I would try to get free travel to school. I won’t just try — I will do my very best for you. I will listen and I will take all views forward.

UK — United Kingdom and United Kids.

Edward Smith, aged 17, Bury Football Club

Over the last few years we’ve seen an increase in transport fees. I want to see these lowered.

Why should we pay more?

I want to get more support for those who are bullied, more funding for sports facilities and coaching.

I want to make first aid compulsory in all schools.

If we stand together then anything is possible.

Tom Kiernan, aged 17, Holy Cross College

young people suffer as a result of not being able to voice their problems.

If people vote for me, I can try to change this.

My ideas include reducing travel costs by up to 50 per cent and introducing better changes to citizenship lessons. I would allow the ideas of students to be recognised. Not ignored.

Vote for me, and with your help we may see change.

Takreem Ali, aged 13, St Gabriel’s High

I will campaign for lower transport costs — especially for people at school or college.

I also want more support from the police to communities.

A council that is better prepared to deal with bad weather, is needed, as is a less polluted environment.

The voting age to be lowered to 16. If you vote for me, I will try to address all the issues people raise with me.

Ethan Turner, aged 14, Bury Church of England High School

I will campaign to improve the image of young people and encourage the media to look more positively at their potential. Greater funding is needed for the restoration of youth clubs, with advertising campaigns to encourage more members. I will continue to support any application made for more affordable public transport systems. I will actively support any move which will lead to free university places and encourage others to do the same. Vote for me!

Molly Hughes, aged 12, Prestwich Arts College

If I am elected as the MYP for Bury, I will ensure that voice of young people is heard by others. I’ll campaign for lower travel fares for students. I believe we should not have to pay high prices to go to school. I would also campaign for more youth clubs to keep the young people of Bury off the streets. More support for children who are less able or who get bullied is also needed. Pupils should also have much more of a say about what happens in school. Vote for Molly!

John Coles, aged 15, St Gabriel’s High School

If I am elected as Bury’s MYP then I would work towards more affordable public transport. Creating a cleaner and safer environment would be another target. I would also want to forge a better image of young people in the media. Developing easier access to healthier activities, would be another area of activity that I would like. Changes are possible but we will only succeed with young people’s help. A vote for me is a vote for our future. Vote for John!