Here are some of the borough’s greenest kids! They and their teachers have been working with Wigan Council on school and community projects from combating litter to water conservation.
Representatives from 19 schools gathered at the prestigious venue of Haigh Hall to celebrate their work on the international Eco Schools Award and were thanked by senior council members for their stunning work.
Deputy Leader and environment champion Cllr David Molyneux told them: “We are so proud of you all. Surveys tell us that people aren’t happy with the quality of their local environment, so thank you to individuals such as yourselves who are making a difference, with litter picks, planting, and energy projects. Well done.”
Eco Schools is a voluntary scheme, but over the past 12 months, council environment officers have seen an increase from 64% of schools registered on the programme to 80% - making Wigan Borough now sixth out of 150 local authorities in England. The council wants to get every school involved in the next year or so.
The Haigh Hall event saw 75 pupils, their teachers and ward councillors review the achievements so far, and to get recognition for the investment of time and energy from their teachers and helpers from senior officers and councillors. As well as displays of their projects, the pupils saw a video of many of their achievements.
Cllr Susan Loudon, cabinet champion for young people, praised the work of the entire local Eco Schools community. She said: “This is a very important programme because our young people are tomorrow’s citizens. Teaching them to respect our environment both in school and in the community will stand them in good stead throughout their lives and hopefully lead to stronger, more prosperous communities here in Wigan Borough.”
To register as an Eco-School or for support to progress on the programme please call 01942 488033.
The showreel of some of the school's achievements is on the council's You Tube channel (external link) or on the Eco-Schools page
