Schoolchildren engage with Swindon Council for safer routes to school
Robert Le Kyng Primary pupils share ideas to improve safety
Children at Robert Le Kyng Primary School in Swindon have engaged with local authorities to propose measures for enhancing their safety en route to school. Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for Highways, met with 12 school councillors, representing their classmates, as part of the council’s Safer Routes to School programme.
The pupils raised several ideas to ensure safer journeys to the town centre primary, located in Westcott Place. Among the suggestions were appointing a lollipop person to aid crossing near the school entrance, and establishing a designated drop-off point further from the school to help alleviate congestion.
Councillor Watts highlighted the importance of listening to the children’s perspectives, remarking:
“I want to hear from the children – because it’s their safety which is the most important thing.”
Swindon’s Safer Routes to School programme follows an earlier initiative, The Safe Schools Environmental Zone, aimed at improving areas immediately around schools. The council is now expanding its focus to ensure safe routes for children on their way to school.
Amber, a student representative, commended the idea of a lollipop person, expressing concerns about independent travel:
“My parents normally walk with me, so they make sure I’m safe – but when I walk in on my own, it can be a bit frightening.”
Teacher Dave Barnett, who runs the school council, echoed concerns about traffic congestion at Westcott Place and suggested measures to improve pedestrian safety:
“The level and the speed of the traffic at busy times are alarming. A lollipop person would be really helpful.”
Meeting participants appreciated the opportunity for discussion, with pupil Sophia expressing gratitude for having their opinions heard:
“I’m grateful that we’ve been able to do this, we don’t often get to have our say and it’s good to be asked what we think.”
Swindon Borough Council continues to engage with schools across the area, aiming to foster safer environments for pupils and promote community involvement in safety initiatives.