FYI Talgarth was kindly invited by Bronllys Acting Head Miss Toone, to join the members of the Bronllys School Council and Junior Road Safety Officers, along with Talgarth Town County Councillor Mr William Denston Powell and Local Road Safety Campaigner Cris Osborn to walk the route used by Bronllys children. This route will eventually be the way for children attending the new School (currently being built in the Town), should they wish to walk or cycle.
Miss Toone explained that the School Council and JRSO's have been working together and walking the different routes in order to find out how it differs from the current route. The pupils have taken photographs along the route and documenting areas of concern, and are now keen to request a meeting with Powys County Council Highways Dept, to discuss their plans for the months ahead. The route from Bronllys, which affects not only Bronllys School children but also residents, is the only pedestrian access to the Town. Many feel it is hazardous, with many residents choosing not to use it.
The children wearing High'Vis vests along with staff, walked the route in what was a terrible day. Highlighting and documenting area's of concern which might prove difficult for them in getting to school. As a neutral observer FYI Talgarth saw first hand how small the path is, and often made precarious by it being part of the main Abergavenny Trunk Road by hauliers. One picture in particular featuring the Head, shows only too clearly how close the traffic passes by pedestrians when walking this path. Without wishing to alarm parents the School is keen to highlight that not only do they face a precarious walk but so do all residents walking that path. They are keen to ensure all pupils will get to and from school safely.
Commenting on their experiences of walking from Bronllys School to Talgarth, County Councillor William Powell said:
'Nothing is more important than pupil & public safety and I am delighted to have joined the School Road Safety Team, Mrs Toone as Headteacher and community activist and parent Cris Osborn, in assessing the situation for ourselves.
'The pedestrian footway alongside the A479 is well known to be substandard. I even raised the matter over 12 years ago at the Relief Road Public Inquiry - but to no avail.
'With the advent of Ysgol y Mynydd Du and Bronllys - Talgarth links more important than ever, we need to promote a phased approach to raising awareness & delivering road safety measures on the ground.
'To this end, I look forward to working with the schools, their respective governing bodies as well as Powys County Council Highways to secure a range of improvements and safety measures. It is imperative that we maintain the pressure, until that has been achieved. ''
Local Road Safety Campaigner Cris Osborn had this to say about his views on the route:
"It was great to see such enthusiasm from the children regarding making their route to the new school safer to walk and cycle along. As a parent who regularly walks and cycles this route with my children on their way to Talgarth School, I have always been appalled at the lack of enforcement of speed limits and how dangerous the conditions are for walkers and cyclists alike. Powys County Council appears not to be in compliance with its own statutory requirements to provide a safe and active travel route to the new school".
FYI Talgarth would like to thank the school for allowing us to join them on the walk and despite pouring rain, it was great to observe the children being active community members and engaging in the process with their Head using not only discussion and technology to discuss the issues they raised.
FYI will keep you abreast of developments and report back on the meetings hopefully held between the youngsters and Powys County Council.
The group prepares to leave school for the scrutiny walk
Head Teacher Miss Toone was taking images of the children unaware of the large lorry coming along side her, this image shows how close to pedestrians these heavy vehicles are!
This picture shows where overhanging trees obstruct space on an already narrow path, the teacher is forced to walk in the road to walk alongside the children
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