As both a Headstone North councillor and a Governor of the school, I write to offer my hearty congratulations to St John Fisher for being awarded a gold award under Transport for London’s STARS sustainable travel project — for their fantastic contribution to Walk to School week.

Its walking bus scheme had 70 pupils walking with their teachers to and from the nearby Cambridge Road car park at pick-up and drop-off time.

I also know how hard the teachers and children have worked over many months to achieve their ‘park and stride’ initiative and the school council’s enthusiasm to design permits must be highlighted as second to none.

Now parents are taking part in park and stride, designed to make walking fun and get cars away from the school gates and nearby roads.

As councillors, we are always looking at finding new ways to reduce car use, especially with the school expansion programme in the borough potentially leading to even more cars doing the school run.

And of course, walking to school is also a super way get some exercise and to stay fit and healthy.

St John Fisher has one of the best records in London for persuading parents to leave their cars at home.

So once again, many congratulations to all parents, children and teachers involved.

Councillor Janet Mote

Headstone North ward 

Harrow Borough Council