‘Children are just 3ft from disaster’
Fears as pupils face ‘dangerous’ walk to schools say councillors
SCHOOLCHILDREN face a dangerous walk along a narrow road to get to a school near Markfield, councillors have warned.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough councillor Andy Furlong and Leicestershire County councillor Amanda Hack looked at parts of the route students have to navigate from Markfield to get to South Charnwood School.
They say that, in places, the route approved by the county council becomes extremely narrow, with one overgrown section on Grassy Lane being only 2ft wide, along a 60mph road.
The approved walking route is along Launde Road, Ratby Lane, London Road, Forest Road, Stoney Lane, Grassy Lane, Broad Lane, and Markfield Lane.
Coun Furlong said: “Leicestershire County Council has decreed that a route is available where a child, accompanied as necessary, can walk with reasonable safety to school.
“This is plainly nonsense in the case of the route from Markfield to South Charnwood School.
“Pupils as young as 11 are being asked to negotiate a poorly maintained path that passes within touching distance of speeding traffic.
“They are just 3ft from disaster. The county council must declassify the path as a safe route and restore the free bus service to Markfield.”
Leicestershire County Council said that it was aware of the issue.
A spokesman said: “We are aware of complaints and will be inspecting the route concerned to arrange for any overgrown vegetation to be cut back, subject to any restrictions due to bird nesting season, ahead of the new school term in September.”
Coun Furlong said he is also receiving complaints about growing traffic problems with tailbacks on Markfield Lane during school gate times.
The school offers a coach service for £650 per pupil, which picks up children from areas further afield, such as Groby, Leicester Forest East, Thorpe Astley and Braunstone.
Coun Furlong added: “Families are now caught in a trap. A parent or guardian with two children faces an exorbitant bill of £1,300 simply to get their children to their local school safely.
“It’s no surprise that increasing numbers are jumping into their own cars resulting in congestion, delay, pollution and increased risks at the school gate where impatient drivers are acting irresponsibly.”
The council spokesman added: “We provide free school transport to eligible students under our home to school transport policy where a walking route under three miles is not available.
“With regard to highway-related enquires, there were no issues recorded relating to congestion on Markfield Lane outside the school in the past two year.
“However, the school has been invited to take part in the School Keep Clear scheme.”
Coun Hack said: “Secondary school transport plays an important role in ensuring that students get to school safely.
“It also reduces vehicle journeys, road congestion and as a result, vehicle emissions.
“We have seen significant rises, well above inflation, in charges for school transport. The lack of a safe route is forcing more parents to drive their children to school.
“Leicestershire County Council has acknowledged that we are facing a climate change emergency. Time is running out. It is vital that the County works with schools on sustainable travel planning, particularly in light of the growth anticipated in Leicestershire.
“Changes to school catchment areas are likely and we run the risk of being caught napping, exposing parents and pupils to more cost, congestion and pollution.”
Coun Furlong is meeting head teachers and school managers in his ward to discuss potential solutions to transport problems.