A ROAD outside a Hoyland primary school will be closed next week to mark the launch of a project that tackles air pollution.

On June 17 on Shaftesbury Avenue - outside Hoyland Springwood Primary School - the road will be shut as part of Clean Air Day.

This project hopes to encourage families to leave the car at home and walk, scoot or cycle to school instead.

Using funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), a further nine road closure events will occur at other schools around the borough, where it is intended that changes in air quality will be monitored.

Coun Jim Andrews, cabinet spokesperson for public health, said, “We are faced with school streets across Barnsley that are dangerous, stressful and unpleasant places to be during drop-off and pickup times.

“By closing the road to all but essential traffic through the School Streets programme, we can host activities for children and demonstrate that streets can be enjoyable places for children and families to live, work, learn and play together.

“Travelling to school by alternative means like walking, biking or scootering has benefits for physical and mental health, can leave children feeling energised as they start their school day and allows families to spend more time together.”

Hoyland Springwood headteacher, Jennifer Hunt, added: “We’re really keen on improving the health and wellbeing of our pupils, whilst improving access for residents.

“We are constantly going the extra mile, and we know that the journey to school is an important part of the school day.

“Not only do we want pupils, parents and staff to arrive at school safely, but we also want to encourage them to travel in a way that keeps them fit, active and healthy whilst improving air quality for all.”