Two Knutsford primary school pupils called on councillors at a Macclesfield Cheshire East meeting to reduce the speed limit across the borough to protect children and promote safe walking and cycling.

Ben Ormerod and Brooke McAteer told the councillors there are so many benefits to reducing the speed limit 'it is difficult to understand why this could not happen'.

The two Egerton Primary School pupils were speaking at Tuesday's (November 16) highways and transport committee meeting.

Both sit on the Knutsford Schools' Council and were speaking on behalf of children in all Knutsford schools.

Ben, who is in year five, told the committee: "There is no doubt we are facing a climate crisis requiring emergency action as time is running out to ensure we protect our planet for future generations.

"The schools in Knutsford and all schools nationally are committed to this and work really hard to ensure that road safety is a priority in the children's learning, including a great scheme called bikeability.

"The schools work with PCSOs to make sure children stay safe and promote walking to school and not using cars if possible to contribute to carbon levels."

He said children and their families had emailed the council about concerns over speed limits and safety.

"By reducing the speed limit our community will feel safer and people will feel more confident to leave their cars at home," said Ben.

Brooke said: "The children and their parents in the Knutsford community tell us that they do not feel safe to cycle to school and for some to even walk due to the traffic issues and the speed of the traffic."

The year six pupil told councillors that seven per cent of cyclists are killed if they are hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph, but this figure drops to one per cent at 20mph.

"There are so many benefits to reducing the speed limit it is difficult to understand why this could not happen," said Brooke.

"Please follow so many other areas of the country, including Cheshire West, and adopt such a safe and green policy for our area."

The children were applauded by members of the 20 is Plenty Campaign, who were also in attendance.

Committee chair Cllr Craig Browne (Alderley Edge, Ind) thanked Ben and Brooke for their contribution, adding: "I think, having young people participate in democracy in this way, is very much something to be encouraged."

Speaking after the meeting headteacher Alison Hooper told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the children had written the speech themselves after the matter had been raised at a meeting of the Knutsford Schools Council.

The schools council comprises two representatives from each of the schools in the town.

"The children were aware of the 20 is Plenty Campaign and put forward the idea that we should be represented at the highways committee," said Mrs Hooper.

"Initially it was me that was going to speak on behalf of the schools council but I thought, why can't the children speak? I emailed the council on behalf of the children and said it won't be me speaking, it will be two children."

Mrs Hooper told how, after they had left the meeting at Macclesfield Town Hall, a man came out of a nearby coffee shop and told the children they were 'amazing' as he had been listening to a live stream of the meeting.

"This gave them such a boost," said the headteacher, adding: "I couldn't be more proud of them."

The news follows our initial report last week titled Macclesfield: Walking encouraged as school bus cuts considered

Currently, none of the Macclesfield Cheshire East Councillors has expressed their support for the '20 is Plenty' campaign.

Those who wish to get involved can sign this petition or email [email protected].

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