A community campaign in a village near Bath has paid off thanks to the introduction of new “Parking Buddies” to improve safety outside a primary school.
Phil Lyle, PCC Mark Shelford, Gavin Heathcote and Cllr Karen Walker with children outside the school
The campaign by local councillor Karen Walker and the Chairman of the Peasedown Community Trust, Gavin Heathcote in Peasedown St John secured £1,000 from the Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust to purchase the new ‘Parking Buddies’.
They will be placed outside Peasedown St John Primary School at the start and end of the school day to discourage motorists from parking on the pavement.
Cllr Karen Walker, who liaised with the police to secure the funding, said: “These new parking buddy display signs will encourage motorists to think and be considerate when parking outside of the school.
“It’s a method which has been successful in other areas in the past. Thanks to both the staff at the school and the local police for working with us on this initiative.”
Gavin Heathcote, a parent and long-time campaigner for better road safety in the village, said: “Road safety outside of our local primary school is part of our wider plans to create safer streets across the community.
“Peasedown St John has one of the biggest primary schools in the district, so it’s important we ensure children feel safe when walking to and from the school gates.
“These new parking buddies, as well as discouraging motorists to park on the pavement or anywhere outside of the front of the school, look fantastic! They are colourful, bright and can’t easily be missed!”
Last Friday, Karen and Gavin visited the primary school to present staff and pupils with their new parking buddies.
Mark Shelford, Police & Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset also attended the presentation.
Assistant Headteacher, Phil Lyle, added: “Thanks to Karen, Gavin, the Peasedown Community Trust and the local police for these new parking buddies.
“The children will be involved in placing them outside and collecting them in at the start and end of the day.
“We certainly look forward to experiencing a safer walking environment outside of the school gates thanks to these new buddies.”
