SCHOOLS can turn to a new council officer to help them cut down traffic at their gates and make pupils' journeys safer and healthier.

The council's new school travel plan co-ordinator, Lisa Gibbs, will provide one-to-one support and advice to schools wanting to produce a school travel plan or a safer routes to school scheme.

"There are a number of reasons why a school and the families it serves may want to do this," said Ms Gibbs. "But the most common reasons are to cut congestion around the school gates."

Her post is paid for by a Department of Environ-ment, Transport and Regions bursary and one of her first tasks will be to help schools draw up plans to encourage the use of public transport, car-sharing, walking and cycling to school.

If cash is needed to implement the plans, schools can bid for some of the £50,000 which the Government has given to Swindon to promote safer routes to schools, with Ms Gibbs' guidance.

Before joining Swindon Council, Ms Gibbs worked for Lincoln City Council encouraging their schools into greener travel.

Schools wanting advice can contact her on Swindon 466335.