PUPILS from Hackbridge Primary School are learning about being safe and seen, with the support of local housebuilder Barratt London, which is building its nearby development at New Mill Quarter on Hackbridge Road.  Barratt London is encouraging the idea of walking safely to school and has donated 30 hi-vis vests to the school to help pupils be visible as darker nights draw in.

The donation of hi vis vests is designed to encourage pupils to walk to school rather than travelling by car. The idea is to reduce congestion on the roads, improve health and wellbeing and encourage sociability. A generation ago, 70% of pupils walked to school, but research suggests that this figure has now more than halved.*

Pam Reardon, Sales and Marking Director for Barratt East London says: “By donating fluorescent hi-vis vests, we are encouraging parents, carers and pupils to walk, cycle or scoot to school in a much safer fashion. As well as being better for their health, it reduces the number of cars on the road, which can only be a positive thing. This is a timely donation given that the evenings are getting darker earlier and more parents may be tempted to jump in the car, even for short distances.”

Headteacher Mrs Walford at Hackbridge Primary School comments: “It is great to receive this donation of vests from Barratt London, which will hopefully help our pupils be more visible when they are walking out and about on trips and walks.  We continue to do all we can to support our families and encourage our children to walk to school as often as possible.”

The high visibility vests have been donated thanks to Barratt London’s development in Wallington, New Mill Quarter, where one and two-bedroom homes are currently available to purchase with Help to Buy from £312,995. For further details visit www.barrattlondon.com or call 03722 912434.