Safer school route plan for Downview Primary

The school has been working with West Sussex County Council's Safer Routes to School Team to develop the scheme which encourages safer travel to school.

The introduction of the school travel plan has seen improvements made to the footpath at the rear of the properties on the west side of Wroxham Way next to the school playing field.

This will provide a safer off-road route for parents and children to walk to school from Goodwood Avenue.

Arun District Council will also be providing dog bins to encourage dog owners to clear up after their pets, as dog fouling was mentioned as one of the main reasons for not using this route with young children.

School governor and travel plan co-ordinator Geoffrey Farrell said: "Staff and governors of Downview Primary School are thrilled by the award of Travel Mark 2.

"It recognises the efforts the school has made towards raising awareness of how to get more than 400 children to school in ways that don't necessarily involve a car journey."

In addition to the footpath scheme there are plans to install a school safety zone on Wroxham Way next year.

School safety zones involve a mix of 20mph advisory speed limits during pick-up and drop-off times, as well as road markings near the school gate to warn drivers to be more cautious. These signs aim to improve child safety and increase the feeling of security outside the school gate.

The county council's cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, Derek Whittington said: "The safer routes to school scheme gives children the chance to get to and from their schools safely without parents having to use their cars.

"The scheme is also important in promoting exercise among the children through walking or cycling."