The Bridgwater Way has been busy working with people who live in Stockmoor and Wilstock Village to help make their streets safer.

Together they created a “Community Street Audit” with the aim of seeing how local people viewed the quality of streets and open spaces in their area.

Living Streets, the UK Charity for everyday walking, worked with local residents who identified that the area around the shops and school in Stockmoor made the community feel unsafe when walking; mainly because of the movement and parking of vehicles which can cause reduced visibility for people trying to cross roads.

One of the outcomes of this audit was to run a poster campaign led by the community to address issues that pedestrians face in the area of Stockmoor. The posters focussed on a clear safety message; encouraging drivers to park with care and consideration.

Fourteen members of the local community took part in the event and have since put posters up in various spots in the local community.

Councillor John Woodman, Cabinet Member for Highways at Somerset County Council said: “A really great initiative; bringing a community together and helping to make streets safer at the same time.  These posters act as a really personalised local reminder for people to be considerate when travelling.

He continued: “The wider TBW project is doing some great work in a very busy Bridgwater to encourage alternative transport modes and provides lots of tools and advice to get you started on your active journeys.”

Laura Service, Project Coordinator, Living Streets said: “The poster campaign was a great project to work on and we hope that it has the desired effect on road users.  When more of us walk everyday journeys, we improve our own health and fitness and reduce congestion and pollution in our local community too.”

Funded by EDF Energy and supported by Sedgemoor District Council, The Bridgwater Way is reaching out to schools and colleges, businesses and the wider community to provide tools and support to help us make positive changes together.  To find out more, visit www.thebridgwaterway.co.uk