New additions mean over 50 school walking maps in Southwark

To encourage more children and families to walk, cycle and scoot to school, Southwark Council has produced 25 new walking maps showing routes 10 and 15 minutes away from local schools.

In 2022, 27 walking maps were shared with schools and parents. They proved very popular so a further 25 have been created and were being sent to local schools during October, International Walk to School month. The waterproof maps will be displayed at a prominent place either inside or outside the schools.

The first of the new walking maps was delivered to Rotherhithe Primary School which has been working closely with the council’s sustainable travel team and has just been awarded gold accreditation in the Transport for London STARS (Safety and Citizenship and TravelSmart) scheme. This inspires young Londoners to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely by championing walking, scooting and cycling.

Pupils and parents at the school are delighted with the new maps. Hal Phillips walks with his mum every morning: “I like walking to school as a family as it gives us a nice chance to connect. We really like doing things like spotting nature. And it’s a quick way of getting to school without using a car.”

His mum, Dominique said: “We get to have a good chat, we enjoy walking through the park. It’s a nice way to start and finish the day.”

Geovani Goncalves cycles with his son, Leo: “We live about a mile from here. We take a route through the park sometimes, which is nice. The maps are helpful as they guide us to the best routes.”

Cllr James McAsh, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, Clean Air and Streets, said: “Through Streets for People we are working to improve the air we breathe in Southwark. We want to encourage more children and families to walk and cycle to and from school so we are investing in making it easier and safer. We have 28 School Streets schemes in place across the borough; these timed closures reduce congestion and air pollution outside schools, encouraging parents and pupils to walk, cycle, scoot or use other greener ways to travel. We aim to get at least three new schools signed up each year.”

The council is also improving access around schools, with wider pavements and improved paving benefiting people with prams, pushchairs or wheelchairs. In addition, 140 new pedestrian crossings have been put in over the last five years to make walking safer, with plans to install around 25 more before April 2024.

The new Kingswood Library in Dulwich has reopened

Kingswood Library has reopened in its new permanent home on Seeley Drive on Kingswood Estate.

The new community facility includes a contemporary library for adults and children, a dedicated children’s area for story times, free WiFi and internet access, seating and study space and an outdoor reading area.

The team will be working in partnership with Kingswood Arts to deliver library related activities and events at Kingswood House. These include additional study space during busy exam periods, digital drop in sessions,

IT learning sessions, reading groups and conversation cafes, additional children’s events, story/rhyme time, Bookstart sessions and homework clubs for young people. There will also be a new programme of activities for young people starting soon on the estate.

The library held a special open day on 30th September with free arts and crafts, storytelling and poetry reading.

Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Parks, said: “We’re pleased to see a new, permanent library in the Kingswood area of Dulwich. It’s a space we’ve all been eagerly waiting for. The library is not just a place to study but also a hub for key community groups, providing an important space for residents.

“We’re especially excited to be teaming up with Kingswood Arts to bring an engaging programme of events for our young residents. It is a place for exciting activities and adventures.”

Library opening times are Mondays 2pm to 6pm, Tuesdays 10am to 2pm, Thursdays 2pm to 6pm, Fridays 10am to 2pm and Saturdays 1pm to 5pm. It is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.