South Bristol school children safer on walk to school

School children in South Bristol will be safer on their walk to school with the introduction of  measures to block off a rat run.

Cars illegally using the lane behind Ilchester Crescent in Bishopsworth as a short cut have been jeopardising the safety of pupils attending Bedminster Down School.

Local Ilchester Crescent resident and Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Norman Bridge said: “About twenty or thirty cars in the morning and evening were speeding down this lane which is for private access and has two rights of ways for pedestrians.”

Parents complaining that their children have almost been hurt by the motorists took action through Bristol City Council, the police and local MP.

Community Safety Officer for Safer Bristol, Emily Smith said: “ We consulted with the residents who have rights of access and worked with our partners to find a way of reducing cars and vans illegally driving there by installing boulders.

“This is a great example of the way that local people can work with different agencies and really make things happen. This may be a small thing but it could save the life of a child and has brought the residents together.”