A NUMBER of schools in Droitwich Spa have secured funding for schemes that will help cut down on the school run.

Worcestershire County Council has been working with these schools over the last year to develop their travel plans.

The plans are a package of measures specific to the school aimed at reducing car use.

The schools in the Spa area to get the cash are Chawson First School (£5,925); Droitwich Spa High (£12,025); Westlands First (£4,950); Wychbold First and Nursery (£4,185) and Cutnall Green First.

The plans are designed to increase awareness amongst pupils, staff and parents about the environmental consequences of their travel choice. They also help parents and carers consider the benefits school travel plans have on a child's safety, health and social life.

The grants will be used to buy items to enable healthier and more sustainable journeys to school, for example cycle racks, sheltered waiting areas for pedestrian parents, lockers and CCTV systems.

Nicky Luff, TravelWise officer at the county council, said: "School travel plans are a great way to tackle congestion, not only at the school gate, but on all roads and for the benefit of all commuters. Reduced traffic around the school helps improve the safety of the children and is better for the environment.

"Walking and cycling also has great benefits for a child's health," added Nicky. The Department for Education and Skills awarded the grants to those schools who submitted an approved school travel plan by March 31.