Pubs join child safety campaign

A PAIR of public-minded pubs have joined a campaign to encourage children to stride the final part of their commute to school.

The Plough Inn, West Melton, and The Albert Social Club, Wath, have both pledged their support to the Park and Stride scheme being operated by Living Streets on behalf of West Melton Junior and Infants School.

Parents are being encouraged to drop off their youngsters in the establishments’ car parks so that they can be escorted over the last five or ten minutes of the commute — under the watchful eye of a teacher — each Wednesday.

Jim Shaw, Living Streets’ project co-ordinator, said: “Children love walking to school when they get the chance, but I appreciate that due to distance and time constraints it's not always possible for parents to walk their young children to school.

“These park and stride schemes will enable those who live further away to drop their little ones off for a teacher to walk them the last five or ten minutes to school.

“It’s great for the children as it benefits them socially and physically while mentally getting them ready for a day at school.”