OKEHAMPTON Town Council is to write a letter of concern to Devon County Council over the funding of the Junior Life Skills activities for primary school children. Children aged 10 and 11 from all over West Devon took part in the activity courses at Okehampton Army Camp earlier this month, enjoying a day of simulated situations to help them stay out of real danger. The activities were primarily funded by West Devon Borough Council with Okehampton Town Council contributing £500 this year. At a previous meeting of the policy and resources committee, town councillors resolved to ask the county council why the activities were not funded by the education authority. In response, DCC?s chief executive Phil Norrey wrote: ?I regret that the county council is not able to assist with any funding. Our finance is very much tied into our statutory strategic duties and this does not include out of classroom events for pupils.? At September?s committee meeting last week, councillors felt this was a disappointing response and agreed to write a second letter expressing concern. Mayor Tony Leech said Junior Life Skills was a ?very worthwhile exercise?. Cllr Kay Bickley pointed out that the county council?s contribution was smaller that many voluntary contributions. She said: ?If it?s educationally so important, why is it not being funded by the education authority??
