Students driving change to make streets more accessible

National Star students are driving change in Cheltenham to make the streets more accessible. 

The young adults with disabilities took county councillor Julian Tooke and three members of the Gloucestershire Highways team around Pittville to see the challenges they face. 

The students, who are based at the specialist college’s residence, Bradbury Gardens, in Pittville, highlighted how difficult and dangerous the pavements are outside the residence. 

They also showed the group pathways that didn’t join up to the new path/cycleway on Evesham Road, paths that led to nowhere and the dangers of bad paving when using a wheelchair. 

The students were thrilled that, within days of their tour, Gloucestershire Highways have marked up the changes outside Bradbury Gardens. The pathway opposite has been marked up for rectification as well. The road sweepers have been round and cleaned up some of West Drive as well.  

“It was good to be listened to and heard,” said the students involved. 

Student Poppy added: “It will make me feel much safer going out into the community as the bumpy pavements are really scary.” 

Mike Cooke, from National Star, said the visit made a huge difference to the students. “The students felt that the team from Gloucestershire Highways and Cllr Tooke listened to them, and that they were interested in understanding the challenges that the students faced when they are going out,” he said. 

“The changes will not only make a difference to the students but to everyone who has mobility challenges.” 

Cllr. Julian Tooke, Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure and local division councillor said: “I am immensely grateful for the meetings that I have had with National Star College. I have learnt so much and am so pleased that we can make a positive difference. The work that we are doing in collaboration with National Star students will benefit the broader community too. Thank you National Star College!’