North Shottery, Warwickshire – Tuesday 6 January 2026
Day one of the Take Back Our Pavements campaign took place today, organised by the North Shottery Residents Association, as local residents peacefully protested to reclaim their right to use the pavements outside their own homes.
Despite freezing temperatures, a carefully planned and lawful protest began with a rota of residents, 15 at a time, standing on the pavements during peak congestion periods – 8:30 to 9:00am and 3:30 to 4:00pm –times when residents say they often feel unable to safely leave or access their own homes.
View video footage taken on Tuesday 6 January during the morning school drop-off.
The protest is being monitored by Warwickshire Police, including the local Beat Manager and two uniformed officers, ensuring the safety of all involved.
The Managing Director of Ridleys was present on the first day of the protest.
Local schools, councils and relevant services were formally notified in December, providing maximum advance notice and allowing time for alternative arrangements to be considered. The Association stresses that this protest has been undertaken only as a last resort.
The North Shottery Residents Association was formed in September 2024. Since then, residents have engaged in numerous discussions and submitted multiple proposals to both the school and the council. Despite these efforts, residents say the agencies involved remain content with the status quo.
Residents argue that the welfare of a small number of students is being prioritised over the amenity of an entire residential community, and that the convenience of vehicles is being placed above the safety of pedestrians.
With no meaningful progress made through dialogue, the Association felt it had no alternative but to take peaceful action.
Chair of the North Shottery Residents Association, Richard Morgan, said:
“History tells us that unless protest happens, nothing will change.”
Call to Action
The North Shottery Residents Association is calling on Stratford Girls Grammar School, Warwickshire County Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council to formally acknowledge that the current situation is unacceptable and to commit to urgent, constructive discussions with residents. The Association is seeking agreement that change is needed and a clear timetable for developing and implementing measures that prioritise pedestrian safety, resident access and fair use of public pavements.
The protest will continue through Tuesdays in January.
Further information and updates can be found at:
https://north-shottery-ra.org.uk/news/
ENDS