STUDENTS at a Hatfield school have joined the Welwyn Hatfield Times’ campaign to make their town one of the Mary Portas Pilots.

Year five pupils at Howe Dell School, in The Runway, have been inspired by our Back The Bid campaign, and invited reporter Ross Logan to their class to hear some of their own ideas.

The pupils suggested a range of innovations to revamp the town centre – many of which had even been suggested by adults working for Hatfield’s dedicated Town Team.

Ideas included building a fountain in White Lion Square, a supervised play area for children and a shopping mall.

One student, Gregory, even constructed a model of his vision for Hatfield out of Lego – complete with builders working to refurbish Queensway House.

Year five teacher Gill Thomas thanked the Welwyn Hatfield Times for coming to hear the students’ ideas.

“It inspired lots of discussion and lots of sensible and interesting ideas were put forward,” she said.

“They were very clear on what would make them want to spend time there and in the words of the children: ‘If the children are happy, the adults will come, stay longer and spend money.’

“This can only be good for Hatfield. Thank you for giving them a voice.”