Car ban so we've loads more space

Leominster Junior School is giving priority to children and parents on foot. A pedestrians-only zone has been created on the approach to the main doors.

The step is part of a package of measures aimed at tackling safety concerns.

"We had a potentially dangerous situation where cars and delivery vehicles were driving up to the entrance while hundreds of children were going to school," said deputy head teacher Steve Leah.

"We wanted to make getting to school safe."

Access routes into the school have been revamped to separate vehicles from walkers and cyclists.

The school gates have been redesigned to provide better vision.

Once inside, all vehicles must now turn right - away from the pedestrian flow - to a single, enlarged car parking area to the rear of the school.

A storage area for bicycles has been provided in the car-free area.

The Safer Routes to School initiative gave a grant as part of its programme to improve the local road and footway network for safer access to the schools in Leominster.

The school gained other funds, including a government Seed Challenge Grant aimed at kick-starting improvement projects.

Herefordshire Council carried out works to resurface the road and pavements in George Street, the main access road into the school.

"The whole effect has been to transform the access into school," said Mr Leah. "Parents, pupils and teachers have expressed their appreciation of the improvements.

"The school has been active in encouraging parents and children to consider alternatives to using the motor car to get to school, where possible, to reduce the number of vehicles on 'the school-run'.

"Cycle training is offered to all the older pupils and we actively support the 'walk-to-school' movement."

Chairman David Hippard said the school governors were delighted after landing grants from different sources "to produce very real improvements to the whole school community."