Developer gives helping hand to Stafford school

Castleshurch Primary School in Stafford has been given a helping hand by David Wilson Mercia, which has supplied all those children involved in the school’s walking bus initiative with reflective umbrellas.

The bright pink, blue and yellow umbrellas, bearing the school logo, have been donated following the introduction of a walking bus initiative, which is part of the school’s travel plan, aiming to reduce the number of cars outside the school.

The project was kick started following the closure of Newport Road for road works connected with David Wilson’s new King Edward Court development. The closure meant that for a short time some children and parents had to walk to school, it was a great reason to introduce the ‘bus’, and all those involved have seen great benefits.

Gill Hampton, Headteacher at Castlechurch Primary School said, “The walking bus is a fantastic initiative, giving children the chance to learn essential road safety skills, have outdoor exercise, whilst being able to socialise with their friends so once they reach the school gates they are ready to learn.

“It has been very popular with pupils, who have continued to walk to school and support the walking bus, since the re-opening of Newport Road. We are very grateful for the support from David Wilson, the children love their new umbrellas, and I am sure this will encourage even more children to join.”

Chris Ashmore Sales Director for David Wilson said, “We are very pleased to help Castlechurch’s walking bus get up and running, the school has been fantastic throughout the necessary works to Newport Road and we wanted to say thank you with something that would really benefit the entire school, and surrounding community.”

The walking bus aims to reduce the number of cars on the road, whilst offering great health benefits for both children and parents alike. Parents volunteer to walk a number of children to school, picking up further ‘passengers’ along the way.

It is estimated that the scheme at Castlechurch Primary School has already saved over 1,000 miles of driving since June 2007, whilst the children have walked over 600 miles, reducing carbon emissions and pollution in the Stafford area.

King Edward Court is a development of just 14, five- and six-bedroom houses. Prices start from £465,000. For more information log on to Dwh.co.uk/kingedwardcourt.