Junior Warden Scheme set up in Adeyfield

Dacorum Borough Council has started the area's first Junior Warden Scheme in Adeyfield involving fifteen local children who, as well as taking part in art and sport activities, will be highlighting areas for potential improvement.
The youngsters, aged between seven and ten years of age, meet every week to join in fun activities and to talk about anything they have seen of concern, for example litter or abandoned cars, as well as discuss projects to improve where they live.
The aim of the scheme is to promote active citizenship in younger children so that it becomes second nature to them. Celia Ellis, Active Communities Officer at the Council says, "If you can introduce community pride at an early age this will carry on as they get older, creating local residents who care and do something about the issues where they live."
As well as taking part in creative and sporting activities, the children will meet people living in supported housing in the hope that they may befriend an older person. The children will also be introduced to healthy living during food and beverage tuition (non-alcoholic) where they can develop their own recipes but also learn about issues related to alcohol and drugs.
"We learn lots of sensible things, we make cool craft stuff. We make things nicer for everyone." Chelsea Biswell, 8 years old, one of the junior wardens.
It is also hoped that the young wardens will oganise litterpicks in the local area inviting others to join in.