Pupils at St Anne Line Junior School have been learning about railway safety, as part of a police-led Junior Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Basildon.
The 10 pupils signed up to the scheme have a monthly meeting with PCSO Eve Mackie, and they learn about issues such as personal safety, drug and alcohol abuse, anti-social behaviour and graffiti. The meeting has been running since September 2010.
PCSO Eve Mackie said: “This is a great way for children to learn a sense of community spirit and also for them to see police as friendly and approachable. By educating them about a range of important issues they hopefully become more street-smart and realise the positive impact they can have on their community.
As part of their monthly meetings, Kim Gorman, c2c’s customer services manager, was invited to speak to the group about being safe on railways. The children took part in a poster competition to see who could come up with the best poster to illustrate railway safety.
Lauren Maloney, aged 11, was picked as the winner, and her poster has now been displayed at Laindon railway station.
Kim Gorman, C2C’s customer service manager, said: “Safety on the railway is our top priority. I was pleased to visit St Anne Line Junior School to discuss railway safety with the pupils. It is just one way in which we work with our partners in the local community to raise awareness of safety around the railway.”
Martin Larrett, Head of St Anne Line Junior School, added: “The whole concept of Junior Neighbourhood Watch is marvellous; it has been the perfect way for our young pupils to understand how they can make a difference in their community. The poster competition has been a great way for them to learn about safety, and Lauren’s message will hopefully help save lives.”
