Children Centre Staff Use Pedal Power

Children centre staff have found a new way of getting closer to their local communities.

They are now using bikes to travel to and from work and appointments to raise awareness of their work as well as get fit, save money and help the environment.

Karen Armstrong, coordinator at Denton Children Centre, first suggested that workers used bikes.

She said: "Our aim is to reach out to as many young families as possible, through a range of activities and services, so when I suggested this as a way of getting about, everyone thought it was a good idea.

"There are loads of benefits: less car mileage, healthier staff and the clear message that the team at the centre are committed to saving energy and money as well as staying healthy.

"The Community Development Workers were very interested and felt that using bikes would also support them spreading the message about children centres in the local community. It has been very successful - members of the public do stop to speak to staff when they are out and about on their bikes."

Tameside Council Executive Member for Services for Children and Young People Cllr Allison Gwynne said: "We are always looking for new ways of getting closer to the communities we serve as well as promoting healthy lifestyles - this new initiative achieves this and much more."