Whaley Bridge pupils predict town's future in drawing competition

Around 400 youngsters from Whaley Bridge and Furness Vale Primary Schools, as well as Taxal and Fernilee C of E Primary School, and Bridgemont and Sunshine nurseries took part in the competition to send a postcard from the future. The competition was organised by Vision4Whaley, a group working with the town council to produce a Neighbourhood Plan.

Children were asked to design a postcard showing what life will be like in 2032.

There were two age categories – under sevens and seven to 11-year-olds.

The competition was judged by local artists Tracey Coverley and Rebecca Clitheroe and the lucky winners received a prize of a £20 book voucher for themselves and one for their school or nursery.

Tracey Coverley, one the judges, said: “What a fantastic response, we were

inundated with entries and it was a very hard task to judge them.”

Martin Thomas, chair of the town council and Neighbourhood Plan steering group treasurer, said: “It was great to see community spirit in action with so many youngsters getting involved and showing us how they would like their town to be in the future.”

A selection of entries have been on display in the Mechanics Institute.

Drawings will be used to illustrate a questionnaire about the Neighbourhood Plan, which is due to go out to all residents next year.

The results of the questionnaire will form the basis of the Neighbourhood Plan,

ensuring it is a community-led, shared vision for Whaley Bridge.

It will give local residents the opportunity to have a say in shaping the future of housing, traffic, use of green space and leisure and tourism across Whaley Bridge, Furness Vale, Taxal and Fernilee.

The plan will be in place until 2032.

To find out more or get involved, visit www.whaleybridge.com/neighbourhood-

plan.