Young pupils safer on roads thanks to hi-vis jackets initiative

YOUNG schoolchildren in West Somerset can now be heard and also seen, thanks to an initiative by the West Somerset Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
High-visibility jackets are being given to all primary school and first school pupils in the district to make them safer on the journey to and from their homes.
The initiative began after Police Community Support Officer Luisa Skinner visited Watery Lane pre-school last November.
She accompanied the children on a walkabout in the town and was surprised to find the children and teachers did not have any high visibility tabards or equipment to ensure they were all safe when out and about on school trips and outings.
Funding was then sought from the crime and disorder reduction partnership to purchase a supply of high-visibility jackets.
Now, PCSOs are involved in distributing the jackets to schoolchildren.
West Somerset Council’s community safety officer, Pete Hughes, said: “For a while we have heard from parents and teachers who are worried about children crossing rural roads.
“Often, they say the roads are unlit or there are no pavements, or both, which obviously puts children at higher risk.
“We are delighted to be able to provide children in West Somerset’s first schools with fluorescent high visibility jackets so that drivers, cyclists, and other road users are aware of their presence.
“This is a really positive aspect of our jobs, and we are really pleased to have been able to help children in the rural and urban areas of West Somerset.”

• Our photograph shows PCSOs Sue Hurley (left) and Rachel Cutler with Pete Hughes and Cutcombe First School pupils (left to right) Tom Nancekivell, Hannah Thompson, Harry Delve, Aaron Kendall, Ellie Abraham, and Charlotte Matravers. Photo submitted.