Kentish Express Ashford & District
Politicians put in hot seat by children
Pupils put politicians in the hot seat at the launch of a green travel drive to cut air pollution.
School children took over Ashford Borough Council chambers for the launch of KM Green Champions and quizzed a panel on how walk to school schemes can help to protect the environment.
The schools in attendance were Willesborough Junior, Mersham Primary, Victoria Road Primary and St Simon’s RC Primary (both Ashford).
Cllr Michael Claughton, the council’s deputy leader, said he was delighted to be involved with the scheme.
He said: “Our event was attended by a well informed, engaged, polite and enthusiastic group of school children.
“Their questions to the panel were considered and challenging, and their suggestions for increasing the appeal of the project were interesting and innovative.
“It is important for us to support this scheme to enhance the health and wellbeing of our next generation, to reduce congestion from school traffic, improve the quality of our air and increase road safety awareness for our young people.”
Green Champions, which is part of the KM Walk to School initiative, puts youngsters in the driving seat to trumpet green travel. They complete tasks such as poster competitions to encourage families to leave the car at home and walk or cycle to school instead.
Groups of pupils that come up with the best Green Champion ideas can earn limited edition t-shirts.
Supporters of the scheme include Kent County Council, Mini Babybel, Countrystyle Recycling, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Eurostar.
Schools can register for KM Walk to School projects by visiting www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or by calling 0844 264 0291.
Parents and schools can sign up for a monthly e-newsletter at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk for exclusive access to a Eurostar green travel competition.
One child will win the chance to be an Ashford International team member for the day plus family travel for four on Eurostar to Paris, Brussels or Lille.