Nottingham Express Transit and local community group, The Pythian Club, have teamed up to help deliver a new safety message to local schoolchildren. The Pythian Club have found an innovative and effective way of engaging with young people and is now working with the tram operator to tackle anti-social behaviour around the trams as well as how to act safely in the vicinity of the network.
The new “You versus Trams” initiative highlights the dangers of fooling around on board trams, at stops and close to the tracks. Including a presentation, it has been shown to more than 120 pupils across five Nottingham schools. NET drivers and customer services staff (as well as members from The Pythian Club) have also been on hand to answer questions.
Trevor Stocker, NET Head of Operations, said: “We have worked with the Club for several years, and are proud to be associated with an organisation that’s providing positive pathways for young people and shares our own ambition to help make Nottingham a great place to live, work or visit. This latest initiative has provided the opportunity for members of The Pythian Club and NET teams to engage with young people in local primary and secondary schools. As well as drawing their attention to the consequences of unacceptable behaviour, they were able to offer advice on how to call for help, should they need it, while using the tram.”
Anna Froggatt, is the Head Teacher of Victoria Primary School, one of the schools to benefit from the initiative: “This safety message is particularly relevant in our school because of where we are based, in the Meadows. Our over-riding priority is always the wellbeing of our pupils and the presentation certainly provided some valuable advice that will help them stay safe around the tramway.”