Bright clothing was the order of the day at Ysgol Tan y Marian as pupils donned their most dazzling clothes for a fun lesson on the importance of being seen and keeping safe this winter.
Scores of pupils turned out in bright yellow jackets, colourful tops, tights and even a tu tu to hear Police Community Support Officer Niki Lodge and PC Ann Westwood speak about their ‘Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe and Behave’ initiative.
“We cover an area which is pretty rural and there are not many street lights,” said PCSO Lodge, “The schools are on busy main roads and there are many country lanes which are not as brightly lit. Also, with the dark nights approaching, Halloween and Bonfire night, we wanted to do something to highlight safety and thought of the Four ‘Bs’ initiative.”
“It also gives us the perfect opportunity to discuss anti-social behaviour over the up and coming busy months.”
‘Be Bright, Be seen, Be safe and Behave’ promotes road safety through fun and interesting talks and tasks. It is also a multi-agency initiative between North Wales Police, the Arson Reduction team, Road Safety team and local schools.
To date, it has seen officers visit Ysgol Llanddulas, Ysgol Cynfran in Llysfaen and Ysgol Tan Y Marian in Old Colwyn.
During the visit to Ysgol Tan Y Marian, the officers delivered the hour long lesson which encouraged the children to wear high visibility clothing and accessories. And, after listening intently, the pupils got to put the positive messages they had learnt into action by transforming dull, black and white pictures of characters into ‘Be Bright and Be seen’ characters. They also had the opportunity to get all crafty and create their own brightly coloured stick on badges.
The initiative was welcomed by the school. “It’s really good,” said Deputy Head Teacher Mrs Jones. “The pupils respond to the messages better when they are delivered in a fun way.”
All pupils who participated were handed glow in the dark wristbands, road safety at night booklets and fluorescent badges with the ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ wording and the NWP logo on them.
Financial support for the initiative was provided by the High Sheriff’s Crimebeat Fund and funding was also gained from other sources including the Arson Reduction Team.
The High Sheriff of Clwyd, Lady Janet Jones, was present at Ysgol Tan Y Marian and said: “I think it is a very good scheme that encourages children to be seen in the dark especially when the clocks will be changing in a couple of weeks time. It’s always essential to encourage them not to be careless when crossing the road and the initiative should help to reduce accidents.”
Be bright, Be seen, Be safe, Behave’ was undertaken as part of Operation BANG
