Politicians for a day (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Politicians for a day

There were no grey hairs or stuffed shirts in the council chamber this week when a youthful team of councillors from Longleaze Primary School took the seats of Wootton Bassett Town Council.

Seventeen members of the school council, ranging from five- to 11-year-olds, were given a tour of the chamber on Tuesday before settling down to business.

The pupils from the Byron Avenue school listened as mayor Chris Wannell and town clerk Jonathan Bourne explained the role of the town council and the responsibilities of a town councillor.

The pupils then presented their own agenda, including items such as their up and coming school fte and a friendship buddy system, which were voted on.

Personal, social, health education and citizen co-ordinator at the school Maria Dickinson said: "I think some of the children were a bit in awe of the room and all the robes to start with but then they settled into it and had a good debate.

"They all take it very seriously and it's nice for them because when they decide on something they see their decisions being acted on."

The young politicians then asked if they could consider some of the town's hot issues. They were given background information on the proposed country park on Brynard's Hill to discuss and will report back to the town council with their findings at a later date.