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Fylde councillor turns to Facebook
LEAFLETS and the good old knock on the door have traditionally been the key weapons in a local politicians campaign arsenal.
But now a Fylde councillor has turned to popular social networking website Facebook to promote politics to young people and spread his network of contacts.
And Wesham ward councillor Simon Renwick is not alone.
Fylde's cabinet member for leisure and tourism recently became hooked on the site after an old school friend contacted him and asked him if he was on Facebook.
He was not, but quickly signed up and began to use the site to keep in touch with fellow councillors, post regular updates on campaigns and local issues.
Coun Renwick, who even carried out this interview via Facebook, said: "I've been Facebooking for about six months now.
"I use it mainly to keep in touch with friends, see what people are up to, share photos and stories.
"It's a useful political tool too and I'm a member of many different groups all of which keep me updated on what's happening politically."
Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Joan Humble is also among those to join the social networking revolution.
Councillors around the country are now being encouraged to set up profiles on Facebook, which has 58 million users worldwide, in an effort to get more young people involved in politics.
The independent Councillors' Commission, which has been looking at how to make local democracy more appealing, suggests councillors should be given training on how to use the website.
There has been some concern tax payers money could be used for the training.
However, Coun Renwick is keen to stress the advantages of online communication.
He added: "I believe anything that engages younger people in any form of politics is great.
"Politics is not boring, it's about everything we do, even down to what time the pubs open, how much money you earn that you keep, whether the country goes to war and the like.
"Although these are heavy subjects if they can be presented in a fun and engaging way I welcome it."
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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