TWO Basingstoke schools are trying to reduce congestion and keep children safe by launching a new walk to school scheme. 

The ‘Park and Stride’ scheme was launched by Hatch Warren Infant and Junior Schools last Friday, to encourage parents to park further away and walk an extra five minutes to the school in Gershwin Road, Brighton Hill

The school has worked closely with The Portsmouth Arms pub in Hatch Warren Way, and parents are now able to use the pub’s car park in the mornings and walk with their child the remainder of the journey to school. 

More than 50 students joined headteachers Michelle Moore and Ed Dawson, along with Basingstoke MP Maria Miller and Hampshire County Council’s travel team mascot Basil Bird, on the inaugural walk on Monday.

Mrs Moore, the headteacher of Hatch Warren Infant School, said the idea of the scheme is to stop roads surrounding the school from becoming blocked during peak hours, and to stop children worrying about crossing busy roads on their way to school. 

She said: “We are trying to encourage parents to add an extra five minutes to their morning routine by parking a bit further away from the school and walking the rest of the journey. 

“A lot of parents have been really supportive and the children seem to enjoy it as well. 

“If we can get parents to walk their children to school at least four times a week then the scheme will have been as success.” 

Infant school teacher Louise Weston, who was responsible for organising the ‘Park and Stride’ scheme, said it was encouraging to see so many pupils involved in the launch. 

The schools have teamed up with the county council’s travel team, Living Streets, and Sainsbury’s in Kempshott to promote safer streets for children travelling to school. 

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller joined the first walk on Friday and said the added time to the school run will be beneficial for everyone.

She added: “I understand it can be difficult for parents to find that extra time in the morning to walk their child to school. 

“However, all the children I met really enjoyed the walk, and it is a great opportunity for them to get some fresh air and exercise ahead of their school day.” 

For more information on UK charity Living Streets visit livingstreets.org.uk.