PUPILS from both senior schools in Wellington have been excluded from town centre shops during school hours in a bid to reduce shoplifting.
Growing frustration among Wellington councillors over delays on new car park signs
Somerset Council to lay down where owners can and cannot take their dogs
Critics say dramatic fall in Somerset Council budget gap is 'smoke and mirrors'
Anger continues over bid to by-pass cap on Somerset council tax increaseA total of 18 town centre shops, all members of Radio Watch, including Somerfield, the Co-op, Boots, WH Smith, and four local newsagents, are refusing to serve youngsters from the 880-pupil Court Fields Community School, and Wellington School, which has 750 students.
The head teachers of the schools, which both have healthy eating policies, say they support the move which restricts students buying crisps and other convenience snacks.
The Radio Watch scheme was set up two years ago to beef up the fight against crime in the town centre. The link allows shop staff to exchange information about anything suspicious via hand-held radios.
The ban, which came into force on Monday, extends from 8am-3.15pm Monday to Friday during term time.
Pick up a copy of today's Wellington Weekly News for more on this story.