SWINDON has won a bid for £22,000 of Department of Health funding to implement a walking to school scheme in the town.

NHS Swindon and Swindon Council will use the funding to set-up five minute walk-zones around selected primary schools where many children are driven to school.

The aim is to help more children walk to school safely, improving their health and helping the environment. It will also aim to reduce traffic accidents and congestion around schools.

The scheme is part of the wider Change4Life national project which aims to help people eat well, move more and live longer.

NHS Swindon public health programme manager, Fiona Dickens, said: “It is really positive that we have the funding to promote walking to school in the town. Walking is an excellent way for children to get some extra exercise which is important for them to stay fit, happy and healthy. It is also a good opportunity for parents to walk a bit further each day.”

Coun Peter Greenhalgh, cabinet member for sustainability, strategic planning, property and transport, said: “The project is part of our Safer and Smarter Journeys to School strategy, which was approved by Cabinet in September. This funding will enable us to work with schools across Swindon to encourage more families to walk to school.

“Our aim is to reduce traffic congestion around schools and to improve safety for local communities. Walking to school is fun and one of life’s big adventures so parents should be doing all they can to allow their children to grow up to be healthy and confident adults with the ability to make independent travel choices.”