Le Murier pupils stay safe with hi-vis bags

Pedestrian safety charity Living Streets Guernsey spent a week in the pop-up shop in Smith Street during Road Safety Week with the aim of highlighting the ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ message.

It is now turning its attention to help out schools.

‘Each year we try to help schools and this year we had a request for hi-vis gym sacks from Le Murier School, which we were happy to provide,’ said chairman of Living Streets Guernsey Tom Le Pelley.

The charity has supported the Baubigny Schools before by developing a pathway in 2010 which enables pupils living in the Bouet area to walk through the countryside to the back of the school.

PHSE co-ordinator at Le Murier School Sue Pratt said: ‘Our school councillors were concerned about our students leaving school in the dark evenings wearing a dark uniform and decided we needed to be seen more easily to be safer.

‘I am delighted that our council has been able to collaborate with Living Streets to work for a safer environment.’

Living Streets Guernsey hopes to see many more pedestrians, cyclists, dog walkers, horse riders and children staying visible after dark in the future.

Twelve-year-old Joshua walks to and from school and said he looks forward to wearing his bright bag every day.

‘I think it’s important because no one can see you at night and it’s quite dangerous.

‘People should always wear something hi-vis if they are walking on the road.’

In addition, a large number of small children’s vests were donated by Specsavers optometrist director, Sarah Burchett, providing hundreds of children aged up to five years old who attend some of Guernsey’s Early Years settings with hi-vis vests.

Co-ordinator of the Be Active forum Alun Williams added: ‘We are working with our Early Years settings to encourage families to be more active.

‘Paramount is the priority of making sure that children and their families are safe and seen when they are out and about so we greatly appreciate the bright hi-vis vests.’