AT LAST! Here are a couple of councils who actually get things done.

The School Council at Chickerell Primary School has joined forces with litter campaigner and parish councillor Brian Bean to spruce up the village.

Since the Find a Bin and Put It In campaign was launched, people have been commenting on how much better their community looks.

The initiative has been spearheaded by the School Council, which has 16 members voted for every September by pupils in years three to six.

Council members get together once a month to discuss pertinent topics, chaired by deputy head Lorraine Llewellyn and foundation stage teacher Kirsteen Stanton.

Councillors report back to the rest of the school after each meeting and two representatives also attend governors’ meetings to pass on news of their activities and decisions and to ask for things on behalf of their peers.

The litter campaign is on-going and has had an impact on the wider community, not just the school.

Council member Katie, from Year Four, said: “We have tried to be helpful and make people pick up their litter and put it in a bin instead of dropping it on the road. We have also made ‘Keep Your Litter In Your Car’ car stickers.

“Since we started the campaign I can see a difference in Chickerell. It does look tidier and people are picking up their dog’s mess now. I am so proud that the council has done this.”

Coun Bean said: “I started the litter campaign as a personal thing and spoke to the school council about it.

“They then wrote to me to see how they could help.

“They made posters and took information back home to work with. They got their parents involved and the campaign really took off.”

He added: “The aim is to stop people dropping litter in the first place so no-one has to pick it up and it is fantastic to have the children involved.”