3 November 2012

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

COUNCILLORS are asking the town’s children for their opinions about the Neighbourhood Plan which will dictate the development of East Grinstead over the coming 20 years.

“Children currently at school in the town will grow up while the Neighbourhood Plan is being implemented, and will have to live with the consequences of whatever is decided, so it is important they have a voice,” said Cllr Bob Mainstone.

The six town councillors on the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group will be liaising with all the local schools and with the East Grinstead Youth Council to canvas the younger generation’s opinions.

Cllr Bob Mainstone, a retired teacher with many years service at both Sackville and Imberhorne, is leading the initiative, and has already started work with the first primary school pupils.

“We want to give students the opportunity to express their views and to suggest ways East Grinstead could be improved in the future.

“We are asking them to imagine what their lives might be like in 20 years time and what their needs might be – and they have been quick to point out what will be important to them and what the town will need to help them lead those lives.”

All the students who take part will be asked to record what they like and dislike about the town, and what improvements they would like to see.

“We have so far worked with Student Councils at  Estcots, Blackwell and The Meads, and received wholehearted participation from the children.

“The student ages range from five to ten and the older children help record the ideas and opinions which are expressed.  It is vital that all the ideas we gather come from the children themselves and we avoid making any suggestions which could influence them.”

The results of the primary children’s contribution to the Neighbourhood Plan will be made available to the public once all the town’s schools have been involved.

The next stage will be to engage with the sixth form students at Imberhorne and Sackville who will be asked to take part in a more advanced consultation.

“In many ways the children’s opinions we have already gathered reflect those we have received from local adults but expressed from a child’s point of view.

“For example when discussing the range of shops in East Grinstead children might comment on a lack of toy shops while adults are more concerned about clothing shops.”