Local Children Draw Up Plans For A Better Neighbourhood

Residents Micha Robinson, Charlotte Walker,
and Elen Robinson with (centre back) Glynis Morris (Jephson)

Young residents from Wincanton have been rewriting the rule book in a bid to make their neighbourhood a better place to live.

A total of 15 children from the New Barns Farm estate joined Jephson Housing Association to draw up a behaviour contract, outlining what they expect from their peers and fellow residents.

With the help of four local mums, the children aged from one to 13 were asked to write their suggestions on sticky notes, creating a wall of good behaviour to discuss as a group.

Suggestions included no bullying, no bad language, and being quieter.

Copies of the agreed pledge have been delivered to all the children who took part. A copy will also be provided to every new family who moves to the area.

After writing the pledge the group got creative, painting plant pots to position outside their homes with the aim of making the estate more attractive.

The event follows a pilot session in Swindon where children wanted to make their surroundings more colourful.

Residents show-off their new pledge

The session was led by Glynis Morris, housing estates officer at Jephson Housing Association South & West, which owns and manages homes on the estate. Glynis said: "Children talk a lot of sense, and even the youngest came forward with some great suggestions. The whole group was really enthusiastic, and excited to be part of improving the area where they live.

"It's vital that we get children interested in their local community from an early age. Activities like this show they have voices, and can change things for the better.

"Our real-life wall posts mean children can get to know each other better, making them feel more at home as neighbouring families become friendly faces.

"We'd like to say a special thank you to the mums who took the time to help out in a busy half-term."

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