ROADS around Southampton schools were transformed this morning as part of a scheme to highlight issues around air quality.

Fairisle Junior, Sholing Infant and Sholing Junior, St Mary’s Primary and St Monica’s Primary are among 39 schools across the country which are taking part in a national trial organised by the walking and cycling charity Sustrans.

The charity wants to make it easier for people to walk and cycle and aims to connect people and places, create liveable neighbourhoods and transform the school run.

Youngsters were able to play games, kick footballs and cross roads safely this morning, and the scheme will be repeated for this afternoon's school run.

Katie Deacon, 28, a mum who sends her children to Fairisle Junior School said: "It's a good idea. It needs to be done more I think. It feels much safer generally.

"The kids enjoyed playing football in the road. They don't get to play there often because there are so many cars around."

Another Fairisle parent, Veerpal Singh, 31, said: I think it's a good idea. We always walk. It's good for the environment and pollution. It's good exercise and you can maintain your health."

However, Stephanie Squire, 25 from Millbrook said: "It's a good idea. But it's slightly more awkward."

Sustrans spokesman James Cleeton said: “We need to radically change the way we travel - idling car engines and snarled up roads poison the air our children breathe.

“For too long dangerous levels of air pollution near schools have been ignored.

"Teachers want urgent action to clean up toxic fumes. They see closing the roads outside their schools to vehicles whilst opening them for people as an effective solution but need support from local authorities to enact change.

Peter Howard, headteacher at Fairisle Junior School, said: “Being in a cul-de-sac brings with it a number of challenges for our children and families.

"As a school, we are committed to encouraging active travel in order to reduce pollution and congestion, and make Fairisle Road a safer place.”