SAFETY OFFICER STATES CONCERN OVER PATH (From Warrington Guardian)

SAFETY OFFICER STATES CONCERN OVER PATH

ROAD safety officer Andrea Gray has voiced her concern over the route children have to walk to school because of a footpath closure.

Andrea is the senior officer at Cheshire County Council's road safety unit, which aims to cut the number of road accidents and injuries.

The unit has launched a primary schools learning resource called Stepping Out, intended to enable teachers and parents to keep their children safe on the roads.

Ironically the school invited to publicise the resource was Daven Primary in Congleton, whose pupils have to walk along a busy main road since a footpath was closed.

Children from Daven used to walk to school along the path, which links Nursery Lane and Park Lane.

However it has remained shut since builder Kevin Humphries began building houses on the land.

The path is due to reopen after Mr Humphries was told by a government planning inspector it was essential on road safety grounds.

''The present unavailability of the path has made it very difficult and more dangerous for children to walk to school safely,'' said Andrea Gray.

''We encourage parents and children to plan a safe route, avoiding busy roads where possible.''

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