Councillors in campaign for safer Saddleworth streets

Two Saddleworth parish councillors are doing their bit as part of the 'Safe Streets Save Lives' campaign.

Councillors Max Woodvine and Luke Lancaster have been working with Transport for Greater Manchester to display banners outside schools across Saddleworth, which promote walking and cycling in a bid to reduce air and noise pollution. 

Since the summer, the government have made funds available, including via the Active Travel Fund, with Greater Manchester receiving £19 million to deliver phases of emergency transport measures - including 49 miles of cycling and walking routes.

During the first lockdown, Greater Manchester saw cycling trips increase by an average of 34 per cent, with a weekday cycling peak reaching 170,000 trips.

Newly-elected Leader of Saddleworth Conservatives, Cllr Woodvine, who is training to be a teacher, said: “Our children are unfortunately exposed to harmful amounts of pollution. We need to keep them healthy so it’s in their interests that we are responsible, walk where possible and turn our engines off. I do it and I hope you can too.”

Cllr Lancaster added: “This campaign is about encouraging safe, healthy and socially distanced walking and cycling to and from schools. Hopefully this is something we can all support in Saddleworth.”

Main image:

Councillors Luke Lancaster (left) and Max Woodvine putting up a Safe Streets Save Lives sign outside a Saddleworth school.