Commissioner joins Holmes Chapel residents on walk to school

On Tuesday 17th May Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, joined children and their families for Holmes Chapel’s Walk to School Event, and showed his support for residents’ desires for improved road safety.

Holmes Chapel Partnership organised the event where their members and local school children in Jubilee colours were joined by the Commissioner, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue, teachers and local Councillors.

The Commissioner was able to speak to local parents and representatives about the Partnership’s campaign for safer walking routes throughout Holmes Chapel and see first-hand the issues affecting the village.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire said:

“One of my priorities in my Police and Crime Plan is to make Cheshire’s Roads Safer and it’s vital that I get to see the issues people face day-to-day, so I was delighted that Holmes Chapel Partnership asked for my support with this event.

“Speaking to local residents and seeing how many people clearly feel passionately about this issue really demonstrates the importance of ensuring safe walking routes for school children and their parents.”

Hazel Sutcliffe, Chair of Holmes Chapel Partnership said: 

“We were delighted that the Commissioner joined us on today’s walk to see for himself the many hazards village children and residents of all ages face when walking around Holmes Chapel. The number of people who turned out today demonstrates what a supportive community we have here in our village, and all were walking to show Cheshire East Council how passionate and committed we are to making change happen.

“Our children’s mental and physical health has never been more fragile than now, as we emerge from the challenges of Covid. Walking to school is proven to have a huge positive impact on this but sadly many families in Holmes Chapel don’t walk to school because they do not feel safe.”

As Holmes Chapel is a growing village and a gateway to the M6, last year Holmes Chapel Partnership established a Community Speedwatch initiative to gain a better idea of speeding in the area. The group is particularly concerned about the speeds seen in the village centre and on main school routes, and is campaigning with the support of local PCSO Ade Chadwick for improvements to local infrastructure.

Hazel Sutcliffe added:

“Holmes Chapel is blighted by speeding traffic, oversized HGVs, narrow pavements, and a lack of safe crossings for our residents.  We have been campaigning tirelessly for the past few years for Cheshire East Council to listen to our concerns and respond to the practical measures we have proposed to improve the pedestrian experience in and around Holmes Chapel. We will continue to do so until we see tangible results.”

John Dwyer added:

“Road safety is a prime example of an issue where the responsibility does not lie wholly with the police and working effectively with local councils and communities is essential to bring about real solutions.

“I’ve heard loud and clear from people in Holmes Chapel about the support they feel they need from me and the police and where they think important conversations need to be had. I look forward to taking away what I’ve learned and delivering for local residents.”

To find out more about Holmes Chapel Partnership, visit: 

www.hcpartnership.org.uk

Pictured - Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer with Holmes Chapel school children on Walk to School Day.