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No patrol makes kids cross

31/ 1/2008

CHILDREN at Heybook Primary School are leading a campaign to bring back a crossing patrol.

Pupils have been crossing Yorkshire Street by a pelican crossing for more than a year since the regular lollipop man, Emile Sajardo, died.

To make matters worse, headteachers Tina Wheatley and Rod Weatherhead have been told Mr Sajardo will not be replaced.

Although staff, parents and governors have done their best to police the crossing themselves, they are convinced the road is just too dangerous for children to cross without proper supervision.

In March last year a pupil narrowly avoided seriously injury when he was clipped by a car while crossing the road.

The children have decorated the school with banners and posters, and are asking supporters to sign a petition which will be presented to Paul Rowen MP, the mayor, Councillor Peter Evans, and Rochdale Council’s highways department.

They are also going to attend the next Rochdale Township meeting to put forward their case.

Chair of governors Atiya Shamin has pledged support for the campaign, as have school governor and councillor Ibrah Khan, and Councillor Farooq Ahmed – both of whom have children at the school.

Mrs Wheatley said: "We continually remind the children how to cross the road and all pupils have road safety lessons in Year 2, but there are some situations when it just isn’t enough.

"The road is incredibly busy and we don’t even have a sign to warn drivers there is a school here."

Councillor Ahmed said: "As a parent and former lollipop man my main concern is safety.

"It’s a very bad road. We should be investing more money in safety measures to encourage walking to school. But parents need to know their children will be safe if they do walk."

Councillor Khan added: "I’ll do anything I can to help the children and staff take their campaign as far as possible to get the best outcome for the school and community."

A spokesman for Rochdale Council said: "In cases where a crossing patrol leaves their position and there is a safe and suitable pedestrian crossing, they are no longer replaced.

"Instead, the money is used to create more safe places to cross or move patrols to other areas where there is a greater need.

"Work starting on Yorkshire Street next month will include improving the existing crossing point from a pelican to a puffin, allowing people longer time to cross the road.

"There’ll also be a larger protected area for pedestrians when approaching the crossing."