Council backs Safe Routes to School scheme in Crumlin

The Safer Routes to School Project encourages children to walk and cycle to school and after consultation with the local community the scheme is set to be introduced in Crumlin.

Councillor Annemarie Logue said a lot of hard work has gone into getting the scheme this far. She said: “We have been working with the community for 18 months on this. A lot of work has gone into this.”

The consultation between elected members, community representatives and Roads Service hopes to tackle the congestion that occurs along the Main Street in Crumlin at the beginning and end of each school day.

This meeting led to the identification of a potential off-road route on foot and bike, which bypasses Main Street and would encourage more children - and their parents - to get out of their cars and walk or cycle to the local schools on the Glenavy Road.

The aim of the Safer Routes to School Project it to get whole school communities working together to make the school journey safer, healthier and more enjoyable for everyone.

Councillors heard that officers have already consulted with Crumlin Integrated High School about the section of route which would run along part of the periphery of the school’s grounds, and in principle, they are supportive of the proposal.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive will also be consulted regarding the sections impacted through areas of their estate.

The local community will be further consulted on the scheme, including all local schools and local businesses via the Crumlin Improvement Association.

There is a section which would go through council property at Crumlin Community Centre and it is proposed that the route will use existing pathways mainly around the perimeter of the site with slight alterations in width to permit cycle use. Councillors agreed in principle to further explore a partnership approach to the establishment of the project.