A TINY West Somerset school is helping to lead the way with a new initiative to encourage safer, cleaner, and healthier ‘school runs’.

Otterhampton Primary School, in Combwich, is the first of five across the county which will trial ‘School Streets’ to reduce issues with parking and congestion around the campus.

The idea is to encourage more sustainable travel such as walking, cycling, or even scooting.

It involves temporary road closures outside the schools during parents’ daily pick-up and drop-off times.

Otterhampton Primary School executive headteacher Claire Luce is still looking for volunteers to help with a 'School Streets' initiative.
Otterhampton Primary School executive headteacher Claire Luce is still looking for volunteers to help with a 'School Streets' initiative. ( )

The ‘School Streets’ initiative will start for Otterhampton when pupils return on Monday (June 3) after the half-term break.

School Lane, Combwich, will be closed between 8.25am and 8.55am, and again from 2.55pm to 3.25pm on Monday to Friday during term time.

Somerset Council has made a traffic regulation order to legally prevent access for motor vehicles during those times, except for blue badge holders, emergency, and public services.

Executive headteacher Claire Luce has been recruiting volunteer stewards to help enforce the road closure with support from local PCSOs.

More volunteers are still needed to help on some afternoons at the primary school, which has fewer than 100 pupils and is part of the Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust.

Ms Luce said: “I am so excited that Otterhampton Primary School is the first school in Somerset to get involved in the ‘School Streets’ initiative.

“We are looking forward to working with our parents and the local community to make School Lane safer for our children.”

Avon and Somerset Police will also be encouraging active travel and will be offering bike marking to help prevent bike theft from 2 pm to 4 pm on June 4.

The trial, which will run for 18 months, is to be repeated across four more Somerset schools from dates which are yet to be confirmed and will become permanent if successful.

Little Otters Pre-school, part of Otterhampton Primary School.
Little Otters Pre-school, part of Otterhampton Primary School. ( )

A council spokesperson said the trial ‘encourages families and children to use active and sustainable modes of transport which will hopefully create healthy lifestyles for their future and the future of our planet’.

The council is also consulting with residents for their thoughts and feedback on the initiative from June 3 to December 3.

The council is collaborating on the project with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) and cycling charity Sustrans. 

Sustrans spokesperson Joe Bigwood said: “‘School Streets’ provide benefits for families travelling to school, local residents, and the wider community.

“They help to tackle congestion, poor air quality, and road safety concerns, building confidence in families to travel actively to school.

“It is a powerful way of showing what is possible when cars are removed outside a school.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with SASP, helping to create a safer, greener environment for Otterhampton Primary and are excited to see how School Lane is transformed into a walking, wheeling, and cycling safe haven for all to enjoy.”

The primary school received a ‘Good’ rating during its last Ofsted education inspection.