Neighbourhood Wardens advise on road safety district wide

Horsham District Council’s team of 14 Neighbourhood Wardens recently got involved in Road Safety Action Week by sharing advice and giving away free safety items.

This year the campaign theme was ‘Step Up for Safe Streets’ which focused on keeping cyclists and pedestrians safe when out and about.

All wardens gave their local newsagents letters for each of their delivery girls and boys, containing information about how to keep safe when out in the dark mornings. In addition, the warden teams undertook the following activities in their different communities:

Ashington – visited the local toddler group Shining Stars to run some road safety activities including giving out stickers and postcards. The wardens talked to them about being safe whilst crossing the road, as well as talking to parents about safe parking.

Billingshurst – gave out free lights, reflectors and slap bands to all paper delivery girls/boys and also to young people at the skate park. They also fixed lights to their scooters, as necessary.

Horsham – attended Forest and Tanbridge House secondary schools to give out reflective slap bands and bike lights and offered UV marking. The wardens also ran a bike safety session in the town centre, reminding cyclists to dismount in pedestrian-only areas and offering UV marking and lights.

Pulborough – interacted with the primary school, youth club, school walking bus, joggers, dog walkers and horse-riders about being seen in the dark. As well as advice, they also gave out high-vis stickers and slap bands.

Southwater – talked to Budgens newsagent about their monthly health and safety bike checks and provided funding for some high visibility safety vests.

Storrington – provided activity packs for Little Bears Pre-school in Sullington. Themes covered were crossing the road safely and sitting in car seats properly. Kate, one of the helpers, commented:“The children really enjoyed the activities and especially loved learning about the traffic light system, and holding hands when walking and crossing the road. They were important safety messages but with an element of fun.”

The local cycle shop ran a free safety check for newsagent delivery girls/boys bikes and offered a discount on parts as required.

Steyning – met with the manager at Martin’s Newsagent to discuss safety issues.