PUPILS blamed for causing problems in Otley town centre during their lunch breaks are to get a chance to restore their reputations in a new business-led competition.

Otley's Chamber of Trade and Commerce is launching a shield and a cash prize to reward students at Prince Henry's Grammar School for taking part in community-based projects.

The scheme has been developed through meetings of chamber members with school staff who are aware that traders and shoppers do experience disruption when between 800 and 900 pupils descend on the town.

And they have decided that by working together on a positive project, they can encourage youngsters to take care of their environment and boost the town centre in the process.

Tonia Hearne, chamber president, said: "We are trying to get the children involved at an early stage and if we can do that they might get in the habit of looking after their town centre. Hopefully things will go from there. It will take a while, but what we are trying to do is positive."

The Chamber of Trade shield, plus a £50 prize, would be given to the best project carried out by a pupil, or group of pupils, that contributed to the town.

Mrs Hearne said it could include working for the Britain in Bloom effort by tidying up the town centre, cleaning windows or providing art work to brighten up empty shops.

Speaking at the chamber's meeting last week, Prince Henry's acting head teacher Ron Beever acknowledged the concerns of Otley shopkeepers over the groups of children congregating at lunchtimes. And he welcomed the chamber's initiative in working with the school. He told members that staff and governors were trying to build stronger relationships with the community which would involve children.

He was also trying to tackle the lunchtime problems personally by visiting shops to talk to shopkeepers and children. Members said it was a minority of pupils involved, but that by crowding pavements in Market Place and Bay Horse Court, they frightened elderly people.

Mrs Hearne said: "We are planning more meetings between the school staff, chamber members, the community constable and shopkeepers. It is not a problem that will be solved overnight but we do need to work together."

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