27/3/2008

Local News

Safety lessons for pupils

KIDS have been learning about the dangers of getting too close to building sites as part of a new course being offered in Surrey Heath.
Nearly 1,000 pupils from across the borough were taking part in the Junior Citizen course – which also included lessons on fire safety, internet safety, and first aid.
The scheme aims to equip youngsters with the right knowledge to keep them out of harm’s way.
Year 6 children from 15 borough schools gathered at Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett to complete the courses, which began in February and ended earlier this month.
The project is a multi-agency partnership organised by Surrey Police in conjunction with Surrey Heath Borough Council, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, St John’s Ambulance and developer Laing O’Rourke. The services joined forces to provide each school unit with half a day’s tuition.
This year, for the first time, children got to sit through a session on site safety.
Laing O’Rourke addressed children about the dangers of going into building works without permission.
Youth Affairs Officer PC Julian Crabbe said: “Junior Citizen not only provides personal danger training but it also allows us to increase our contact with youngsters at an early age. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all agencies involved.”
* Members of the Junior Citizen team said goodbye to a long-standing volunteer.
Sue Muriss has been with the scheme for 14 years, but recently bowed out.
Her friends and colleagues gathered at the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett to wish her good luck for the future.
PC Crabbe presented her with a Chief Constable’s Recognition of Service to Neighbourhood Policing certificate.
She also received a card and bottle of bubbly.

First printed in: Surrey Hants Star