AN INFANT school in Thorpe Bay is the latest to sign up to a scheme to close the roads outside during the school run.

Bournes Green Infant School, run by the Southend East Community Academy Trust (SECAT), has launched its own “school street” to close Burlescoombe Road outside the premises at the beginning and end of the school day.

Under the scheme to keep pupils safe, barriers and cones will prevent cars from driving past, with 17 parent volunteers helping to run the set up each day.

Parents’ fears over ‘inconsiderate drivers’ had prompted some schools across Southend to act.

Elspeth Spall, 46, one of the parent volunteers at Bournes Green, said it will help improve air quality for children and families.

READ MORE >>>

She said: “We are delighted that parents, grandparents and neighbours have all come together to set up and run the Bournes Green School Street.

“This community initiative improves air quality around our schools and provides a safer and more attractive environment for children walking, scooting and cycling to and from school.”

The scheme was first launched back in December by Southend Council, with Greenways and Leigh North Street schools being the first to take part.

In April, West Leigh Infants School also joined the scheme, over fears of “inconsiderate drivers” causing panic among parents when collecting children.

A spokesman for the trust said: “Bournes Green Infant School are proud to be part of the School Street Scheme which is a project designed to keep the streets in and around our school gates safer for children and their families.

“The scheme launched on June 8 and has been very well supported by parents and the residents.

“We have a strong group of parents who have gathered 17 volunteers who are parents of the school and residents.

“All volunteers have been fully trained and support the road closure at the beginning and end of the school day.

“We have had lots of positive messages and it is wonderful for our school community to be working together to keep our children safe.”