Francesca Sanders and Dominique Mitchell of The2 Young People’s News Agency met with Sheila Lock, Chief Executive of Leicester City Council to discuss the 25-year vision for the city and her views on young people…

The2: How are you going to ensure that the vision for Leicester is continued and have young people had any involvement?

Sheila Lock: The vision came about from consultation with adult professionals and young people and they told us what was important to them. We want to concentrate on improving the look and feel of Leicester. We are aware that it is ambitious, but the fact that it is 25 years and not a two or three year plan, makes sure that there is a long term goal.

I am not going to be here in 25 years so it is important that young people are involved in owning the vision. If young people think of ways in which we can improve things for them we want to know about it. I don’t have all the answers, but I am committed to engaging and listening. We have an election in 2011 and this may bring about changes. I am mindful that everything in the vision involves and impacts on young people.

The2: Has the recession affected the 25 year vision?

SL: It’s affecting everything. There will be impact around investment into the city but I feel having a 25 year vision will help us to ensure investment within our city. One of the worries I have is job losses in the business community and how this impacts on services. It is too early to tell, but it is something we need to monitor.

The2: What is your biggest achievement to date?

SL: Bringing up my son on my own. He is now 23 and has turned out great. The thing I love most is making changes and a difference to people’s lives. I am not a person who likes sitting in an office all day. I know that being in a position of power enables me to change lives. The day I stop making a difference will be the day I go home. In Leicester, my biggest achievement has been having an impact on improvements within education.

The2: Why is it important to you to invest in the youth of today?

SL: Young people are the future. We have a responsibility as adults to leave the world in a better state. I believe in this passionately. Working with young people makes you think and they tell you how they think. An example is working with the youth council and creating outcomes for children in the care system. I work 75-85 hours a week from 7.30am until 7pm and often 14 hour days. There is a great saying ‘the past is the past, the future is the future and the present is the present because it is the gift of today.’

The2: In 2008, you said you wanted to make Leicester “the best local authority in the country.” Is it working?

SL: Leicester’s reputation has improved regionally and nationally. Our stock is rising and there are more opportunities for young people leaving education. We need to realise there is more to do. We have to continuously ask ourselves what does excellence look like and we will build on the work we are doing. We should continue to concentrate on what binds us together rather than what separates us.

Our next planned interview is with Cllr Ross Willmott, Leader of Leicester City Council.