JUNIOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDEN SCHEME GOES GREEN

Members of The Junior Neighbourhood Warden Scheme, a partnership between Manchester & District Housing Association (a member of Harvest Housing Group) and Cheshire East Borough Council’s Community Wardens recently took part in an event designed to inform them of the importance of recycling.

The Council’s Community Wardens hosted the event at a recycling depot in Crewe and a Household Advisor talked to the youngsters about the importance of recycling. The Junior Wardens also learned about how the Council deals with the tons of recycled waste that is collected from households each week.

A practical demonstration was also carried out in the depot’s recycling facility in an effort to encourage the young people to see the value of recycling and get into the habit of doing so from an early age. It is hoped the youngsters will spread the important recycling message within their community.

Councillor Brian Silvester, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, commented: “It is possible to foster the responsibilities of good citizenship in youngsters if appropriate methods are adopted. Youngsters have a vital role to play in the their community and this scheme encourages and trains active, responsible young citizens who can help the Borough become a safer, cleaner and more welcoming place.”

Amanda Jones, Manchester & District Housing Association’s Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer added: “It is great to see our younger generation involved in initiatives that will encourage them to do their bit to save our planet. It was a great event enjoyed by everyone who attended.”

The Junior Neighbourhood Warden Scheme is designed to develop a sense of community pride amongst young people by providing constructive activities that benefit the local area.

The overall aim of the scheme is to give youngsters a structure for making a contribution to their community. The scheme won the ‘Environmental initiative of the Year’ category of the Majors Oscars in 2008.