New Addington teen vows to stand in next parliamentary elections

A teenager from New Addington has vowed to stand as an independent candidate in the next parliamentary elections.

Michael Castle says he wants to see the estate become a priority to Croydon Council so that vast improvements can be made to Central Parade.

His main objective, though, is to use his connection with the estate's youth to give them ambition and remove the stigma that New Addington youngsters will amount to nothing.

The 18-year old, who is studying for a Uniform Public Service diploma at Croydon College, said: "I want to get onto the political ladder and I want to make a difference to New Addington. It's as if it doesn't exist – we are the lost community.

"There's a stigma about the young people in New Addington and it holds them back, it's not very encouraging.

"If I became MP it would be a major step forward to changing that. It would show that people from New Addington can achieve what they want to do, regardless of how impossible it might seem."

Michael already has experience standing up for what he believes in and is a representative for the Young Anti-Bullying Alliance in south east England.

He attends various events across the country in this role, talking to youngsters, so he feels he can really tap into the younger generation.

And he has even met Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He said: "I can use Facebook and MySpace to reach young people, and I know what they want because I am one myself.

"I want to change perceptions of young people. I wear a hoodie but I'm not a thug. Young people are the future."

Michael, who lives in Pirbright Crescent, New Addington, added: "I would like to think I'm in the right circles to become an MP already.

"I have spoken to Councillor Simon Hall and been out canvassing with him to learn the ropes. And I've spoken to local MP Andrew Pelling. He's really friendly."

Still, if Michael wants to stand as an independent candidate for New Addington, he may be standing against Mr Pelling, the current Croydon Central MP.

The determined teenager says his policies are similar to Mr Pelling's. He would like to see resurfacing of all the roads and improved security through CCTV, more lighting and extra policing.

But Michael added: "I think we need a change and for that we need a new MP. We need to get some new, young blood into parliament.

"As an independent you are there because you want to help your area and get people's voices heard.

"People say the majority parties aren't doing anything – so let's let someone more low-key do something."

Michael would also push the council's redevelopment of New Addington, although he is not convinced another huge supermarket is the way forward.

His main ambition, though, is to listen to his constituents and tackle problems when they happen.

Michael has set up a Facebook group called Michael Castle for Central Croydon. He had around 50 members within 24 hours of setting it up.

He also has an e-mail for constituents to contact him: castle4croydon@yahoo.com