Welsh Liberal Democrats across Pembrokeshire are calling for the county council to provide far more safe routes for children to walk to school. Gareth Jones, local Liberal Democrat candidate for Pembroke St. Michael, started the campaign and within hours was receiving written support from the community.

Gareth said: "It is unreasonable to expect parents to make their children walk if there is no suitable route. However, when one is provided, school led programmes should be put in place to encourage walking. This would result in healthier children, lower carbon emissions and less traffic congestion. Road safety would be improved for pedestrians and drivers alike."

The Pembrokeshire County Council Liberal Democrat group has pledged to raise the issue at the next council meeting.

Leader Bill Philpin commented: "When Gareth raised the matter with me, I was involved in a safe routes to school issue in Broadhaven, so I was delighted to offer my support. Pembrokeshire County Council is very reluctant to spend a penny more than they can obtain in grants from the Welsh Assembly on this." Clr. Tony Brinsden added: "One of the measures Gareth suggests is the introduction of 'walking buses' where a crocodile of children is escorted by an adult at the front and back collecting them from and delivering them to their homes. This is a very good idea and is used on occasions by Stepaside School where I am a governor, so I know that it works."