St Peter's CE hails successful 'School Streets' trial

The scheme, which effectively bans majority of cars from the road near the school during school drop-off and pick-up, has been introduced at St Peter's CE Primary.

More than six months of work went into the scheme, with extensive planning having taken place between the school, parents, pupils, residents, Bright Leaders and Transport for Greater Manchester.

Currently the School Street- which has proved a huge success in other places of Greater Manchester - is running once a week at the Farnworth school.

Under the "School Street" scheme, roads near schools are closed to certain vehicles for short periods during peak drop-off and pick-up times, from 8am to 8.45am and 2.15pm to 3.30pm.

Marshals put out signs, cones and barriers to stop non-residents driving through the area.

The Alexandra Street school will continue to carry out the scheme on the next four Tuesdays, including today, June 27, until the end of term.

School streets road closures (Image: St Peter's CE Primary School)

Assistant headteacher at St Peter's, Vicki Brown, said: "The idea is to improve the safety of children as they are leaving school and heading into school in the morning.

"To do that we were looking to close the immediate streets around school.

"We consulted with parents, children themselves, we looked at how it was possible, and the residents, it was very important to consult them.

"The first morning we did it was last Tuesday (June 20), it went really, really well.

"We've had loads of positive comments from parents who feel they can cross the road.

"Less cars and people walking to school generally."

School Streets at St Peter's CE Primary School in Farnworth (Image: St Peter's CE Primary School)

She added: "We had conversations with Tesco, we're asking parents to park on Tesco car park and then walk in from there, stopping traffic around the school.

"We also have a walking bus every day, but for this we wanted to utilise that more.

"We've had an increase in the number of children going on the walking bus, which is provided and supervised by staff members at the school.

"We're just trying to change the mindset of parents and promote the healthy aspect of walking to school rather than using cars. 

"I'm so glad we have had such positive feedback from parents."