Jack Hunt pupils lead the big clean-up
HUNDREDS of pupils at Netherton's Jack Hunt School have vowed to clean up their act and rid themselves of their "litter lout" tag.
HUNDREDS of pupils at Netherton's Jack Hunt School have vowed to clean up their act and rid themselves of their "litter lout" tag.Stung by criticism from elderly residents living near the school, who recently claimed they were abused when they asked children from the school to pick up their litter, the pupils want to prove them wrong and show they can make a real difference.
Now leading the charge and spreading the word to classmates are three newly appointed school "eco-reps" – 15-year-olds Olivia Riordan, Kay Landells and Jessica Kenny – who said they felt they had been unfairly branded and cited the passion for the environment of youngsters at the school.
Olivia said: "I think it has been a bit harsh as, for instance, at the shops at Ledbury Road there are not enough bins, so to get more bins would definitely help."
And Jessica said the key was promoting litter picking throughout the school and at its feeder primaries.
Jessica added: "If it's tidy in the school, I think it will definitely have a positive effect on the streets and shops outside."
And their bid to clean up the school and surrounding areas has been backed by the launch of a new litter-picking scheme by the city council which started on Monday.
Senior community engagement officer Kirsty Martin spoke to more than 40 school "eco-reps" at the launch of the pilot scheme and said they had picked the school due to the bad publicity surrounding littering in the area.
She said: "There has been a problem in the area and local residents, rightly or wrongly, think it is youngsters from nearby schools.
"Each class eco-rep is going to take the message back to their classes, and by clearing up the school it is hoped that the message will filter across the area.
"It only takes one crisp packet to lead to a bag of rubbish and become fly-tipping, and we believe the pupils can have a really positive impact on this."
And the move has also received positive feedback from the police, who are dealing with anti-social behaviour in the area by pupils as a priority.
Neighbourhood Pc Steve Godfrey said: "It's great to see young people taking pride in the area and becoming actively involved in the community.
"If young people are cleaning up the area for themselves they will be less likely to drop litter in the future.
"I commend these young people for taking a positive step and I'm sure the work will be appreciated by the rest of the community."
But eco-rep Kay added that the responsibility for cleaning up in the area rested on everyones shoulders.
She added: "It has to be the whole community getting involved to make it work and clear up the environment.
"However, we will definitely be doing our bit."
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Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 20 March 2010
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Wind direction: South west
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