HEDGE END CHILDREN START TO PARK AND STRIDE (Eastleigh Liberal Democrats)

Eastleigh Liberal Democrats <enquiries@eastleighlibdems.org.uk>

HEDGE END CHILDREN START TO PARK AND STRIDE

November 9, 2009 10:03 AM

Chris at the first Park and Stride day at Kings Copse School Kings Copse School in Hedge End has pioneered a "Park and Stride" scheme to persuade children and their parents to walk at least part of the way to school each morning.

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne and Eastleigh mayor Pam Holden-Brown joined Head teacher Esther Jones and 27 local families, who live too far away from the school to walk the whole distance, to participate in the new "Park and Stride" scheme.

Parents drive to the car park at the Norman Rodaway pavilion and then walk with their children about 300 yards to the Kings Copse school.

Chris Huhne said: "It's not always possible to walk all the way to school, so the Park and Stride scheme is the next best thing. It is part driving and part walking."

The new scheme is part of the school's travel plan, which aims to encourage safe ways of getting to and from the school. Bicycling and walking are top favourites, with taking public transport as runner up.

Kings Copse has a new cycle shelter, and the Park and Stride scheme has the benefit of widened footpaths and a lollipop lady to help children across the road.

Motorists are also encouraged to cut their speed with "20 is plenty" signs in the nearby streets.