New Faces in Council Chamber

Shepway's Council Chamber, scene of the mammoth seven-hour Lydd Airport meeting, played host to a different debate when 24 pupils from Hawkinge Primary School visited the council.

The children, aged between five and seven from Skylarks class, had been invited to the council after writing a letter outlining their concerns about their local environment. They wanted the council to provide a pelican crossing, more car parking, more litter bins, and covered benches.

"Instead of just writing back, we thought it would be good to invite the Skylarks class to the council," said Council Chairman, Susan Carey. "It gave us an opportunity to explain that we don't always have the money do to everything we would like to do."

After learning how to work the microphones and being reminded that they should follow normal council speaking rules and only speak one at a time, the pupils had an opportunity to discuss the things they would like in Hawkinge and then vote on what was most important. They had a second vote after learning what everything would cost.

Cllr Carey congratulated them on their debate: "You put forward your arguments very clearly and I been very impressed with the level of debate"

She said the pupils had showed real maturity in debating the priorities once they learned the cost of each idea. "I am really pleased that their to choice was the anti-littering campaign and Shepway will be supporting this."

The morning's visit included a visit to the Chairman's parlour to inspect the chairman's chains of office and council insignia and the chance to see a road sweeping machine in action.

The pupils are now going to design anti-littering posters for the village which will be judged by the Chairman later in the year.

"The Hawkinge children showed real initiative in contacting us about their ideas for improving the village. This is the second school visit we have had so far during my term of office. We always welcome visits from school to the Civic Centre and are happy to listen to the children's views."

Teacher Katie Milborrow said: "The children had such a memorable morning and learned such a lot. It was clear how much effort and organisation had gone into planning our morning and I am so grateful for everyone's time and effort. The children haven't stopped talking about it."