Holmes Chapel residents continue to call for safer walking routes

Each year the Holmes Chapel Partnership, a voluntary organisation, organises a 'Walk to School Week' as part of its ongoing campaign to make the village's walking routes safer.

This year's event, in support of Living Streets, included pupils from Holmes Chapel and Hermitage primary schools and was focused on 'the magic of walking'.

As such, the youngsters, who were joined by firefighters, parish councillors, teachers and partnership members, donned magical accessories for their walk.

Peter Whiers, chairman of Holmes Chapel Partnership, was delighted with the event’s outcome.

He said: “Dignitaries reported afterwards they had found the chance to meet and chat with parents really insightful, and I think the parents equally valued the opportunity to share their thoughts on how walking routes in Holmes Chapel could be made safer.

“Holmes Chapel is a beautiful rural village but sadly one where vehicles are given priority over pedestrians.

A firefighter and a fairy crossing the road as part of the Walk to School Week event (Image: Holmes Chapel Partnership)

"Our historic pavements are incredibly narrow in places and we have a lack of pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures and 20mph zones.

"With more than 2,000 children educated in the village and around 5,000 Harry Styles fans visiting each year, we are campaigning hard to improve the situation for all pedestrians. 

“A generation ago, 70 percent of pupils walked to school – now it’s less than half.

"Families in our village want to walk to school, but many of them are telling us they simply don’t feel safe to do so.

Children, parents, firefighters, parish councillors and teachers took part in the Walk to School Week (Image: Holmes Chapel Partnership)

"It’s critical, as the village continues to grow and attract tourism, Cheshire East Council makes positive changes to improve our walking routes."