Acton joins nationwide walking bus event

Siobhan Hemmett and County Councillor, Colin Spence

One of the thorniest issues that councillors have to deal with is the problem of traffic at local schools.

This is of concern to residents both in Great Waldingfield and in Acton, so any initiative that can be taken to try to reduce the number of cars dropping off and picking up children is very welcome.

Yesterday Acton, supported by PCSO Siobham Hemmett, literally took some steps towards what might be at least a partial solution of Acton's problems by participating in the Giant Walking Bus Event.

Organised by Brake, the road safety charity, 100,000 children joined in by creating a walking bus in their own communities.  Schools from as far away as the Hebrides participated. Messages were being sent to both motorists and children; the former were reminded to slow down near children, and the latter were being persuaded that 'it is cool to walk'.

The walking bus lines up in the playground at Acton School

Wearing a variety of stylish sunhats and high visibility clothing, the children, accompanied by our PCSO, parents and teachers, County Councillor Colin Spence and an officer from the County Council Highways Department,  perambulated around the village.

 It is hoped to start a walking bus for real when the new school year starts in September.