IN the freezing temperatures last weekend, a group of Burley-in-Wharfedale children gathered to talk about single-use plastic bottles and why they thought this should be reduced.

Marnie, aged nime, said that "plastic is really bad for the environment as it never goes away and it ends up in the sea".

The children were excited about the prospect of the historic water fountain on the recreation ground being brought back into use. They were talking with Niccola Swan, the Labour Party Wharfedale candidate for the Bradford Council elections in May, and also a parish councillor in Burley.

Niccola said: "I’m delighted that Burley Parish Council has agreed to investigate whether the fountain can be used again and also to consider the installation of a new water fountain in nearby Grange Park. These two new fountains would mean that families playing sports or enjoying leisure time in the two parks would be able to drink and refill water bottles without needing to use more plastic."

The drinking fountain shown in the photograph was erected by public subscription to celebrate the life of Thomas Clarke (1837-1898), who was a much-loved head-teacher in Burley. It can be found on the south side of the recreation ground.

Saturday, March 24 is an environment action day for the Shipley constituency Labour Party. Details of activities around the area can be found at: www.shipleylabour.org.uk/campaign_info