A RECENT poll has revealed that children hugely value walking to school for the social time with friends and family, just like their parents and grandparents did.

But less than half of children now get this opportunity.

Walking is a free and healthy option for children yet walking rates continue to decline.

It’s not too late to turn things around if we act now. Walking to school can help children and parents build activity into their daily lives and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We need to invest in the walk to school now, before the inactive children of today become the unhealthy adults of the future.

I have pledged my support to Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking and I’m urging the Prime Minister David Cameron to prioritise walking in the upcoming spending review. I would encourage others to do the same through the Living Streets website.

Sarah Owen, Stour Oak