5:00pm Monday 16th April 2012
By Simon Moss
BRIGHT schoolchildren in Basingstoke gained an unexpected response after asking environment chiefs what could be done to tackle litter in their area.
The ten and 11-year-olds from Hatch Warren Junior School, in Gershwin Road, wrote letters to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council as part of a project on the town, using persuasive writing skills taught in literacy lessons.
But rather than reply in writing, the council’s Cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Elaine Still, paid a visit to the class to listen to their concerns and suggestions.
Cllr Still said: “I was so impressed by the pride that the children showed in their town through the letters, as well as their community spirit in writing them.
“It was great to get the chance to meet them and explain what the council does to combat litter and hear how they think we could encourage more people to use the bins provided.
“As the weather gets warmer and more people are out and about, unfortunately litter begins to increase.”
The children heard about street sweeping and litter-picking schemes that take place in the area.
Deputy headteacher at the school, Andy Finklaire, said: “We always ask the children to write for a purpose and with an audience in mind. They worked really hard to write in a persuasive style so it was really rewarding for them to get such a positive reply from the council.
“The recognition that their writing was responded to and that the message was taken seriously, is very positive.”
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