STUDENTS from a Whitchurch school were given a practical lesson in decision making and the role of the Town Council.

Four classes from Whitchurch Church of England Primary School, in Daniel Road, were given the opportunity to have a tour of the Town Hall in Newbury Street on Thursday.

They had a look around the building where decisions about local life are made by Whitchurch Town Council and were met by the Whitchurch Town Council clerks, current mayor John Buckley and deputy mayor Fiona Nicolson.

They also got an insight in to the role of the town mayor and the Town Council, with mayor Councillor Buckley chairing a meeting which the children raised issues that were important to them.

The children were able to start the meeting in the traditional fashion by banging the gavel and were given a demonstration in how the process works.

The top suggestions that were voted for would then be brought up at the next full council meeting. The pupils voted for the Town Council to discuss installing CCTV at the skate park, a free place for them to go after school, and more play equipment for older children.

Cllr Buckley said: “It is good to get them involved in local decision-making and democracy. We were already talking about some of their suggestions at official meetings.”