A pioneering County Council scheme aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving local air quality is being trialled again at a Coalville school.

The School Streets initiative will see a pedestrian and cycle zone put into action between 8.15am and 8.50am and 2.30pm and 3.30pm on roads around Belvoirdale Community Primary School in Scotlands Road.

It is a project designed to create safer streets for everyone.

Belvoirdale was involved in an original trial in August, last year, and has signed up again after welcoming the initiative, which created a safe space for children to walk, cycle, scoot or 'park and walk' to school with temporary road closures for vehicles outside school gates.  

This second trial started this week (June 5) and will continue until 12 July. 

Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "With the first trial of School Streets being such a great success, I'm pleased to see that Belvoirdale is choosing to continue with this important scheme. 

"We want to support families in our county by making the school run healthier and safer for everyone. School Streets is just one way we are encouraging our younger generation to be more environmentally aware." 

Feedback from last year's trial has led to shorter road closure periods at both the start and end of the school day.  

Richard Dax, head teacher of Belvoirdale Primary, said: "We're delighted to have School Streets returning because of the huge success of the previous trial.

"It creates safe and clear streets which means a happy environment for our children and other pedestrians too. 

"Since the first trial, the request from parents and residents to continue School Streets has been overwhelming." 

Local volunteers have been selected by the schools to support the scheme with the necessary kit and training to cordon off the roads at specific times.

Peter Hardy, parent of a student from Belvoirdale Primary School and a scheme volunteer, said: "I'm really pleased that the road safety campaign is coming back.

"It helps to keep students and other road users safe. I am 100 per cent behind this as it will make the road safe for all children and parents."

Anstey's Latimer Primary School is also taking part in the trial.

Residents of the affected streets are still able to use the road for access using a permit. 

To find out more, click HERE.