News

It's time for National Walk to School Week 2003 and the Borough of Poole is working hard to get the largest proportion of school children in one authority to walk to school.

There are over 11,500 students from the ages of 5 to 12 in Poole. If more than 50%, roughly 5,500 of these, walk to school then Poole stands a chance of being among the best in the country. There would be fewer cars on the road too!

The Borough is inviting all parents and children, governors and teachers in its first, middle and combined (primary) schools to take part. Poole schools have lots of ideas on how to promote the week, for example asking children to wear a different colour on different days. All the children will be asked to complete a logbook of their walking journey to school and this will be returned to Transportation Services for analysis.

Sally Funnell, Cycling & Walking Officer for the Borough of Poole, said: "We hope that people will join in, have fun and help make our roads safer and our children healthier as part of this national campaign. It's important that you choose your route with care and young children will need to be accompanied on the way to and from school. We recommend walkers wear bright clothing - be safe be seen!"

Two prizes are on offer for the school that can show the greatest proportion of children taking part and the school with the most original theme for the week. Prizes, kindly donated by Halfords in Poole High Street, are a set of fluorescent armbands and an adult escort's waistcoat, which can be used when a whole class goes out together.

For details of what is happening, contact your school, or get some inspiration from our friendly walk to school team: Sally Funnell on (01202) 262066, Lesley Hart on (01202) 262065 or Nick Ellis on (01202) 262017.