School student Ethan Forwood writes letter to Campbelltown MP Greg Warren asking for more footpaths

A young student who walks to and from school has reached out to the Campbelltown MP to ask for his help to make the journey safer. Read the 10-year-old’s eloquent letter.

A 10-year-old student has taken matters into his own hands and penned an eloquent plea to his local politician in the hopes of having footpaths constructed to make the trips to school safer.

Ethan Forwood, a Bradbury Public School student, walks close to two kilometres to and from school with his mother and sister each day, with much of that journey not on a designated footpath. There are also no designated crossings – aside from outside the school.

The Airds resident wrote a handwritten note to Campbelltown MP Greg Warren to raise his concerns about his walk to and from school.

“I walked home from school on the road which is meant for cars,” Ethan wrote.

“There are no footpaths and crossings along the way. So this doesn’t make me safe as a kid. I would like you to come and have a look for yourself.”

Campbelltown MP Greg Warren meets Ethan Forwood with his sister Isabella and mother Alex.

Ethan wrote that he has to cross three roundabouts to get to and from school, which is “not safe for a kid like me”.

“So I am asking if you could put some footpaths and crossings and also some working street lights please,” he said.

After receiving the eloquent missive, Campbelltown MP Greg Warren has urged the NSW Government to ensure children, parents, carers, teachers and staff can get to and from schools safely.

Mr Warren raised the issue with Campbelltown Council and also wrote to the Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell.

“Ethan took the time to write to me so I made it a priority to visit Ethan and discuss his concerns,” he said.

Campbelltown MP Greg Warren meets Ethan Forword with his sister Isabella and mother Alex.

“The issue of a lack of footpaths just doesn’t impact Ethan and his family, but also other students, parents, carers, teachers and staff.

“I raised the issue with Campbelltown Council and they are eager to speak to Ethan.”

Mr Warren said he also wrote to the Minister for Education to reiterate that the NSW Government has a duty of care to ensure students can get to and from school safely.

“I would encourage anyone else – whether they be students, parents, carers, teachers or staff – that may have similar concerns, to contact myself or my office,” he said.