A recent story on ITV West Country, also reported elsewhere, featured the concerns of two parents whose children attend schools within the Frome Safer School Streets zone on Oakfield Road and Nunney Road.
Cllr Anita Collier, who was also interviewed by ITV West Country, said:
“As I said in the interview, the concerns of the people who came along to be interviewed by ITV are absolutely concerns we take seriously, just as we have taken on board the thoughts and opinions of many people throughout the consultation process on School Streets since 2021. The markings in Frome have been subject to two road safety audits, with another to come now they are in use, and are common to many of the 800 Safer School Streets schemes in the UK. However, we represent our residents at FTC; we can only do that with their input, and everything will feed into the evaluation of the trial.
“The Safer School Streets trial went ahead in Frome because a majority of the people who engaged with us were in favour. We continue to hear from many people who have seen an improvement, and who are keen to see the scheme become permanent. We encourage all of our residents to complete the forthcoming survey, attend meetings and email us to ensure we capture as broad a range of responses as possible.”
“Frome Town Council had received reports from concerned parents, residents and school staff for a number of years about the safety of children travelling to school. Doing nothing about that was simply not an option, so with the help of our colleagues at Sustrans and Somerset Council, we have applied an evidence-based solution to a known problem, here in our town. The Safer School Streets scheme in Frome joins more than 800 similar schemes across the UK and is funded by the Department for Transport, using a ring-fenced grant specific for that purpose. Sustrans are an active travel charity (not a company, as has been incorrectly reported) and it’s their mission and their area of expertise to, in their words, ‘work for and with communities, helping them come to life by walking, wheeling and cycling to create healthier places and happier lives for everyone.’.
“Our Safer School Streets zone is in its 18-month trial period until Autumn 2025 and we will continue to listen. We’re also reviewing a significant data set recorded before and during the trial by Sustrans and council staff. We hope to see the same improvement that has been recorded in the majority of School Streets, and to hear from residents about their experience, to judge the impact of the scheme.”
A link for the Safer School Streets survey and dates for further consultation events will be shared when finalised. Enquiries are welcome at any time to engage@frometowncouncil.gov.uk.
