Councillors offer cash to fund school crossing
MONEY FROM ROADS BUDGETS COULD BE USED FOR BUSY SITE
THREE councillors have offered to combine pots of public money for use in their areas to fund a crossing outside a school.
More than 7,000 people have signed a petition calling for a pedestrian crossing near St Peter’s Primary School in London Road, Hinckley.
Campaigners said its pupils and those at other schools in the area would benefit from a safe crossing.
At a meeting with parents, the three county councillors for the town, Liberal Democrats David Bill, Stuart Bray and Michael Mullaney, agreed to use their roads budgets to pay for the crossing, which is expected to cost about £40,000. However, the project still needs the approval of highways officers.
Councillor Bill said: “The highways department is looking again at this proposition and I know there are some technical problems with putting in a crossing at that location.
“But there’s a massive petition going round with between 7,000 and 8,000 signatures so there’s a lot of local demand for it. As county council members we all get £25,000 for highway improvements in our area.
“What we’ve said is that the three of us – myself, Councillor Bray and Councillor Mullaney – will chip in to pay for it if it’s going to help them get it over the line.
“Children going to St Peter’s are from all over Hinckley and there’s no crossing there. At the same time, the council is having a problem recruiting lollipop men and women.”
Joanne Thompson, one of campaigners, said: “A permanent crossing would benefit residents of Hinckley as well as the children from three schools and a preschool who all use the crossing point. The councillors recognise the current inadequate crossing and that a safe permanent crossing here would enable more families to walk their children to and from school. In addition, it would aid residents and the more vulnerable to cross the road safely.
“This simple act would benefit the whole community by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
“It would encourage more people to be physically active, allow them to connect more with their community and grow their independence.”
She said the crossing would also help the county council meet the Government’s target of 55 per cent of primary school children in England walking to school by 2025.
County Hall has previously ruled out a crossing in London Road because the plan “did not meet the necessary criteria for the provision of a safe crossing”.
There is an advisory 20mph speed limit outside the school at the beginning and end of the school day and the council’s school camera car visits to crack down on illegal and unsafe parking.