NEARLY a quarter of a million pounds in funding has been earmarked for a pilot scheme to make schools streets safer in Whitchurch.

Shropshire Council has picked up £612,800 from the Government’s active travel fund after a successful application.

The council has announced that £230,000 of that money will be put towards the School Streets scheme which includes Whitchurch Junior School in Salisbury Road and Station Road.

Richard Marshall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways, says the money will be put to good use ensuring children’s safety.

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He said: “The award of this funding is great news, and is recognition of our commitment to improving road safety and active travel opportunities.

“The safety of children travelling to and from school is vitally important and we’re grateful to the community for highlighting their road safety concerns in the area, particularly in relation to walking and cycling in the vicinity of the nearby schools.

“Officers have been working closely with local residents and groups over the past few months as our plans have been developed and progressed, and this funding will help to make these plans a reality.”

Ian Nellins, Cabinet member with responsibility for active travel, agreed with his colleague and welcomed the money.

He said: “Shropshire Council is committed to providing active travel options across the council area and these projects will provide safer routes for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.

“We look forward to implementing further schemes through our new cycling and walking plan, which is currently out to consultation and we encourage people to take a look and share their views.”

School Streets was confirmed in October 2022 and will last for 18 months.

The scheme is to create streets outside of school gates that are pedestrianised (except for permit holders) during school drop off and pick up times.

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Under the new ‘moving traffic offences’ legislation Shropshire Council can apply for powers to enforce school streets using ANPR cameras.

The money will be shared among the six pilot schools for the installation of one camera – at £31,000 ­– or two cameras at £62,000.

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for children and education, said: “School Streets have been rolled out across the UK for several years.

“We already have one at Coleham Primary in Shrewsbury – implemented using coronavirus powers – and I now look forward to adding more to the list, using this new legislation.”