Schools get green grant (From Worcester News)

Schools get green grant

10:00pm Tuesday 4th August 2009 in Search By Claire Fry , @clairefryWN #WENews

SCHOOLS across Worcestershire are celebrating after being given £130,000 to promote the benefits of leaving the car at home.

A total of 23 Worcestershire schools have been awarded grants of between £4,000 and just over £10,000 after working with Worcestershire County Council to develop a school travel plan, which sets out what can be done to help reduce the use of the car.

The grants, awarded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, can be used to improve on-site facilities aimed at encouraging more walking, cycling and car-sharing. The cash has already been used to pay for cycle racks, lockers and sheltered waiting areas.

Among the schools, Martley CE Primary School received £4,425, The Chantry High School in Martley was awarded £8,500, Stourport Primary School was given £5,075 and Tenbury High School £7,175. Fort Royal Primary School in Worcester received £5,755 and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Malvern was given £4,653.

The county council’s work with Worcestershire schools has already proved successful, with 84 per cent now having a travel plan. Most of those are showing an increase in the levels of walking and cycling.

More than 20 schools operate a walking bus scheme, with several more planned in the next academic year.

The council’s Stepping Out programme, organised by the county council’s road safety officers, has also given more than 5,000 pupils pedestrian training.

In addition to all that work, a further 4,000 youngsters are set to receive cycle training over the next 12 months to improve their skills and safety. Half of those will follow the Bikeability national standard programme.

Councillor Derek Prodger, the county council’s cabinet member for transport and safe environment, said: “School travel plans are a great way to tackle congestion at the school gate. Reducing traffic around the school helps improve the safety of children and it’s also kinder to the environment. In addition, walking and cycling also has great benefits for a child’s health and social development. I would like to congratulate the staff and pupils at the schools involved and wish them every success with their plans in the future.”

For more information on school travel plans, call the county council’s smarter choices team on 01905 765765, or e-mail schooltravelplans @worcestershire.gov.uk.