Safer environment created for Gleadless Youngsters

 An initiative carried out by Sheffield Homes’ Neighbourhood Wardens, South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield City Council to provide a safer environment for children who attend Bankwood Community Primary School in Gleadless Valley has been hailed as a success by local residents.

 

Sheffield Homes Neighbourhood Wardens carried out patrols along with Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and colleagues from Sheffield City Council Parking Services to discourage motorists from blocking the road when picking up or dropping off their children at the school. The initiative involved providing a high visibility presence, providing advice to motorists on safe parking at the beginning and end of the school days and issuing fixed penalty notices where necessary.

 

As well as helping to create a safer environment for the children who attend the school, the initiative has also helped emergency services such as ambulances and fire engines who previously had difficulty accessing the road, as it was narrow and could become blocked easily.  Patrols at the school gates will be continuing to remind motorists not to park inappropriately.

 

Mrs Anne Sheldon, a resident from Gleadless who collects her grandchildren from the school said “the area has improved one hundred per cent since the patrols started and feels much safer for both myself and my grandchildren.”

 

Les Benn, Sheffield Homes Area Manager, South West explained “We want to help provide a safe environment for local youngsters and members of the community and are really pleased that the patrols have made such a difference to the area around the school. Sheffield Homes wardens will be continuing to support the work of our partners in this important initiative.”