THE first park and stride scheme is now in operation in Burtonwood to help improve the health of young people in the community while tackling traffic in the area.

Cllr Cathy Mitchell (Burtonwood and Winwick - LAB) has called on parents and carers to support the initiative where pupils are encouraged to walk to school.

On Thursday pupils and parents along with Cllr Mitchell, council leader Terry O'Neill and PCSOs Jack Chisnall and Colin Blanchard set off from Burtonwood Catholic Club on Phipps Lane to walk to Burtonwood Community Primary School on Green Lane.

Cllr Mitchell said the scheme was launched in response to concerns raised by parents about congestion during rush hour.

She said: "This is a great way to get children to school in a safe way and to get some exercise as well while cutting down on congestion and unsafe parking near schools.”

The next park and ride scheme will take place on Thursday at 8.40am for pupils attending St Paul of the Cross Primary School on Milnthorpe Road.

Those wishing to take part are asked to meet at St Michael's Parish Hall car park or Burtonwood Catholic Club car park.

Further dates are planned for Burtonwood Community Primary pupils on March 23 and May 18.

The dates for St Paul of the Cross Primary School have been confirmed as March 30 and May 19.

Cllr Mitchell added: "Traffic round the schools is a major problem in the village and concerns about the health of children is always in the news.

"To combat this we want to encourage children to walk to school."