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11 Nov 03Poole recognised by Downing Street
The Borough of Poole was recognised by the Government on Wednesday 5 November for its achievements in encouraging healthier alternatives to the car for the dreaded school run.
No. 11 Downing Street hosted a special conference to introduce new initiatives for getting children to school safely and healthily. Nick Ellis, School Travel Plans Co-ordinator, Borough of Poole, was selected to represent colleagues from across the UK as well as the residents of Poole.
He said: "It was a fantastic experience and a great achievement for Poole to be recognised for the work it does in promoting a healthier lifestyle for the children in the Borough. We work to try and come up with good positive ideas that will help children and their families think twice before jumping in the car for short journeys. We have had a lot of success with our projects and would like to invite parents and children to join us in writing even better travel plans. Poole is recognised nationally as a council which seeks to promote and implement safer and healthier journeys to and from school. Let's work together to achieve even more success!"
Charles Clarke Minister for Education & Skills and Alistair Darling, Minister for Transport both spoke to 70 specially selected transport professionals from the whole country about possible new initiatives for school travel plans.
Councillor Ron Parker, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Local Economy and Transport, said: "It is a much deserved honour for Poole to be acknowledged with a special invitation to Downing Street. Our Travelwise team work hard to help residents of Poole, in particular the children, to reassess their travel plans and look for alternative ways of getting around the borough and all those residents who have been involved have shown continuous enthusiasm and support for these schemes. We are keen to highlight the benefits of sufficient exercise to our young citizens and encourage better health and safety measures. We would also like to work further with parents to build on the assurance that there are safe routes to school."
The Travelwise team gives advice on a whole range of travel and safety issues and plans a range of events throughout the year.
For further information on:
School travel plans, Tel: Nick Ellis on 01202 262 017Maps & advice on proficiency training,Tel:Sally Funnell on 01202 262 066
Road safety & safer routes to school,Tel:Lesley Hart on 01202 262 065
Public transport information,Tel:Nick Phillips on 01202 262242
Nick Ellis, Travel Plan Co-ordinator, Borough of Poole, tel: 01202 262 017,
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