Andrew Western met with the Rights Steering Group at St Matthew’s School in Stretford to discuss their recent protest. The children decided to stage a demonstration to call for more safety measures on Chester Road (the A56).

The children explained to Andrew Western – their local MP – that they were concerned about speeding drivers between the M60 and the gyratory. The group discussed the changes they want to see to better manage traffic and Andrew has agreed to write to Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council on the school’s behalf.

Andrew Western said: “It’s great to see local children so engaged in politics and to hear that they’ve been actively pushing for change. As their MP, it is my job to advocate for them, so I will be writing to Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council to express the school’s concerns.”

During the meeting, it became apparent that pupils, teachers and parents alike, fear for the safety of pupils. Most pupils walk to school from the nearby Lacey Street estate – meaning they have to cross Chester Road on foot.

Currently there is a lollipop man near St Matthew’s C of E Primary, but the school says two are needed as drivers frequently jump red lights on the school side of Chester Road.

The protest was spearheaded by the school’s Rights Steering Group, which is a group elected school representatives, that tackle issues in school and beyond. They gathered near the crossing, with placards and tambourines, to make their point.

During Andrew’s meeting with the Rights Steering Group, he explained what his role as their MP is and discussed some of the parliamentary processes.

The children plan to go and visit Andrew in Parliament in the new year.

If you would like Andrew to visit your school, please contact his office.

If you work at a school and you’d like to take a group of pupils to Parliament, click here to find out how.