Artistic pupils at Torrance Primary have created eye catching banners urging drivers to slow down at the school entrance and children to be careful on their walk to school. 
Pupils recently took part in a competition run by the Council’s Community Safety Team to design banners for the gates at the school entrance.
P7 pupil Matthew Buchanan’s detailed design features the slogan ‘Slow down kids around!’ and Niamh MacDonald from P4 created an eye-catching banner reminding children to ‘Walk to school safely’. Both entries were selected as winners, and along with their friends, Matthew and Niamh unveiled their 10ft banners at the school gates.
Councillor Susan Murray, Vice Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee met up with Niamh and Matthew to congratulate them on their fantastic entries.
She said, “Torrance Primary School is yet another school in East Dunbartonshire that has experienced problems with careless, selfish and dangerous driving at drop-off and pick-up times. To prevent a serious accident taking place outside the school entrance, parents and carers who drive to the school need to take heed of Matthew’s message and drive slowly. And Niamh’s message to pupils is just as important; children need to take care too, particularly when crossing roads on their walk to school.”
Niamh was pleased to see her design created into a banner. She said, “I felt really happy once I heard that I had won. I drew it because sometimes people don't look where they are parking.”
Matthew added, “I just think that some people don't drive safely around schools. They don't change their speed. I felt happy and excited that I had won.”
Councillor Murray concluded, “It really is imperative that drivers take exceptional care outside the school gates and I’m hopeful that these fantastic banners lead to a safer journey to and from school for all pupils at Torrance Primary.”
Follow us on Twitter @EDCouncil or like us on Facebook