Road closures to 'make school run safer'

The road closures are part of an 18 month trial in Frome

A number of roads are being closed around four schools in Frome in an effort to make the school run safer.

The move is part of a trial being run by the Frome Safer School Streets project - and will last for 18 months.

Roads around Trinity First, Oakfield Park, Avanti Park and Critchill School will close between 08:10 and 09:00 BST and 14:45 and 15:30 BST.

The project is designed to provide safer walking and cycling routes for pupils and parents.

Frome Town Council project officer, Katie Fraser, told BBC Radio Somerset that the project is primarily a response to safety concerns in the area.

"There will be short, timed road closures in place to restrict traffic in front of the schools," she said.

"We are aware of the concerns of traffic being displaced elsewhere, however there is strong evidence across the country that this isn't a problem.

"We are being supported by Avon and Somerset Police, and although we are not currently handing out fines, it is enforceable by law."

(L to R) Lucy McMahon (Frome Town Council), Amanda Seager (Head of Trinity First), Katie Fraser (council project officer) and Emma Wilkes (Head of Oakfield Academy) helped launch the project

Frome is the first Somerset town where safer school streets are being trialled.

Funding has come from the Department for Transport and distributed through Sustrans, which is responsible for maintaining the UK’s national cycle network.

Despite the traffic restrictions, emergency services, blue badge holders, council contractors and parents and guardians of pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will be among those that will be able to continue to use the streets during the allotted times.

'Culture shift'

Mayor of Frome, Philip Campagna said: "At the end of the day, it's a culture shift.

"What we've got to do through this trial, is persuade people that reducing cars around schools is a very good idea.

"And it's also about encouraging parents and children to walk or cycle to school.

"I know it's a concern. It is a trial. We are monitoring it and we will look at the data and do what we can to alleviate any issues."

Trinity First School has previously reported a near miss with a child and a car

Trinity Church of England First School headteacher Amanda Seager said: “There are nearly a thousand children at the three schools in this part of Frome (Trinity, Critchill and Oakfield) and if the scheme improves their experience, that’s a huge positive.

“However, it will make dropping off and picking up from school more challenging for some families, who have valid reasons for needing to drive.

“We hope the trial period will enable Sustrans, Somerset Council and Frome Town Council to work together with parents, carers and local residents to ensure a way forward that is positive for all.”

Local resident and parent Sarah Ledbury hopes everyone abides by the new rules

Sarah Ledbury, who walks her daughter to school, added: "Before this project came in it was horrendous.

"Cars flying across the junctions and not stopping for children.

"The children were so busy on a mobile phone, they weren't even looking and running out in front of the traffic.

"So with this in place, hopefully the infrastructure will be a lot safer for the children.

"I feel my daughter will be much safer walking to school."