THE parents of pupils attending the new Bishop Chavasse Primary will be able to send their children off to school with peace of mind – and save themselves from the rigours of the school run.
Footpaths leading to the school from Lodge Oak Lane in south Tonbridge have been repaired and upgraded to improve pedestrian access before the new facility opened on September 6.
Kent County Council’s Highways team, who carried out the work, believe that the work will cut down on the number of car journeys.
Headteacher Donna Weeks said: “We are very grateful to Kent County Councillor Richard Long, who has pressed for this work to be completed before school opens.
“Having good pedestrian access from the existing south Tonbridge residential areas means less car journeys, is good for the environment and helps keep children safe, fit and healthy.”
The school, which is part of the Tenax Schools Trust, also hopes to introduce a ‘walking bus’ from Lodge Oak Lane and the top of Tudeley Lane adjacent to Weald of Kent Grammar School.
‘Walking buses’ provide students with company when they make their way to school on foot, accompanied by two chaperones – usually either teachers or parents.
Cllr Richard Long said “I’m absolutely delighted to have been able to help provide better pedestrian access to the new Bishop Chavasse Primary School.
“This is going to be a great school and an asset to the town. It’s important to make Bishop Chavasse a viable option for parents without access to a car, where ever they live in south Tonbridge.”
