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Pupils call for more safety measures in underpass

Kelly Withers
BBC News, Somerset
Scott Ellis
BBC News, West of England
BBC The image shows a dark underpass. There is graffiti on the walls outside. In the image the road curves to the left.BBC
Pupils say the underpass in Taunton needs safety improvements

Primary school children are demanding action to improve safety in an underpass near a local park.

Pupils from St James Church School and Lyngford Park Primary in Taunton want to see extra lights, mirrors and CCTV added to the walkway.

The children recently held a meeting with Taunton Town Council to discuss commitments made to them by councillors earlier in the year.

Council leader Tom Deakin said: "They rightly held me and fellow councillors to account and requested updates on the things they asked for."

The picture shows 11-year-old Imogen standing in the underpass. She is wearing a white Citizens Somerset T-shirt. There is graffiti on the walls behind her.
Imogen, 11, says they want to see better lighting and mirrors in the underpass

The pupils are working with Citizens Somerset to improve safety in the underpass that connects a housing estate to Victoria Park and St James Church School.

Imogen, 11, one of the children involved in the campaign, said: "I feel that we should make it lighter for the nights and the winter so we can actually see in here."

She added: "When Citizens Somerset came to our school I felt empowered, like we could actually make a change."

Councillor Deakin said: "It was immensely powerful hearing the children's perspective."

He added: "We were able to give them positive updates on the lights that are sure to be replaced and that a decision will soon be taken on mirrors being installed as well."

Tom Deakin is smiling at the camera. He is standing on a path leading to the entrance to the underpass. The bridge above it has been sprayed with graffiti.
Councillor Tom Deakin says he is working to introduce improved safety measures in the area

Nigel Johnson, headteacher of St James Church School, said: "Through doing this kind of work it really highlights to them how they can make a change without just making comments on social media."

He added: "They're actually engaging with the issue and with actual real people by talking to them and finding out what can be done about it."

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