A Stretford primary school is one of the latest in a line of those in the area to trial a so-called School Street.

St Hugh of Lincoln RC Primary School, on Glastonbury Road, trialled the scheme on May 15 and May 20.

A School Street is the closure of a section of road, in this case the section of road between Brompton Road and Winchester Road, to all traffic at either end of the school day. The aim is to allow people to take their children to school by cycling, walking or wheeling in traffic-free surroundings in a big boost to the environment and to their health and safety.

There are exemptions for certain vehicles, including emergency vehicles, as well as for residents and workers such as tradespeople, postal workers and support workers.

Jill Axford, who is a councillor for Lostock and Barton Ward, and Aiddy Smith, who is the headteacher of St Hugh of Lincoln RC Primary School, said it was a success.

Messenger Newspapers: Jill Axford on Glastonbury Road

Cllr Axford said: "I am so pleased St Hugh of Lincoln, which already runs a successful Walking Bus so pupils can walk to school safely, is now trialling a School Street. 

"I can already see the value this will have in terms of providing a safe space outside the school while providing a real sense of community. I am so grateful to [School Street Officer] Hannah Stanton for all her hard work and the cooperation she has had from the school."

Mr Smith said: "We have been hoping for a School Street for a while as parking outside school has become a real concern. 

"It was great to see our children and parents walking to school and this is something we want to encourage daily. With a School Street set up it will create a happier and healthier environment in and around St Hugh of Lincoln."

According to the Trafford Council website some of the other schools to trial the scheme are Flixton Primary School, Tyntesfield Primary School, Urmston Primary School, Seymour Park Primary School, Victoria Park Primary School and Stretford High School.

For information on School Streets go to trafford.gov.uk/residents/transport-and-streets/road-safety/School-Streets.aspx.


This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.