New pathway to safety

A new footway has been created in the grounds of Williamwood High School which connects to the main Eaglesham Road.

It means young people no longer need to cross four separate streams of traffic within the car park when going to and leaving the school building.

The path was constructed by East Renfrewshire Council with funding from SPT.

SPT provided £10,000 for the improvements.

Williamwood’s new footway was created to provide pupils walking to and from school from the Eaglesham Road end direct access to the building.

As well as removing the need to negotiate the four traffic lanes, it also leads directly to a bus stop on the main road used by many pupils attending the Clarkston school.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth, said: “This is a very welcome improvement for Williamwood.

“It will make a big difference to pupils walking to and from school and it’s great that we were able to open it for the start of the new term.

“A huge thanks to SPT for coming on board to help provide these improvements – we were delighted to work with them on this project.”

SPT Chief Executive Gordon Maclennan said: “SPT is committed to supporting member councils in their endeavours to provide safer, sounder infrastructure and this walk way adjacent to Williamwood School is a great example of this.

“Another of SPT’s key aims is to promote active travel which has multiple benefits both to the individual in improving general health and the environment by reducing emissions.”

Pupils at the school also welcomed the upgrade.

Head boy Cameron Angus said: “This has improved things a lot, it’s much better.

“Before there would have been a lot of pupils crossing and very busy at times, particularly the afternoon, so this is great.”

Libby Corcoran, who is also in S6, said: “It’s safer – and more practical. It’s made things easier when you get off the bus.”