Artistic pupils make an impact for respect

Youngsters at Medlock Primary School have been expressing their views of respect through art.

The children, aged between and 9 and 10 (year 5 pupils) have been working  with the Spearfish group of artists to create posters to reflect how they feel people should show respect for the community they live in.

The project was part of the Brunswick Respect Action Neighbourhood where the council, police and other partners worked together to improve the area. During the workshops pupils were given the opportunity to work with artists to design two posters about their perceptions of respect and to encourage pride in the local community. Now the posters will be put up in various sites across Brunswick.

The ten-week RAN, between January 14 and March 14 this year, was a mixture of enforcement and community support. Teams of police and council officers visited more than 400 homes to consult residents about their concerns for the area. The information was then worked into an action plan which was followed through on a "you said we did" basis.

Manchester City Council Deputy Leader Councillor Jim Battle said: "It's vital that young people feel that they are valued in their communities. We are always keen to work with them and this was an excellent opportunity for us to find out what's important to them and for them to produce some eye-catching artwork."

Steve Palmer, GMP's Neighbourhood Inspector said: "The RAN has shown that in working together we have been able to focus on issues raised by members of the community.  We will now build on the work that has been done in order to make a positive impact on the standard of living for residents in the area".

In recognition of the children's work, Manchester's Lord Mayor, Councillor Alison Firth and the Local Neighbourhood Policing Inspector will attend a special assembly at the school on Friday 10 July at 9.10am. The posters will go on display after the assembly at the health centre, local shops, petrol station, school and housing office.