Streets set for closure as pupils return to schools

STREETS AROUND six primary schools in Leeds could be closed to traffic during the school run under plans by the council to bring in an experimental social distancing scheme, as lockdown restrictions are gradually relaxed.

Plans from Leeds City Council will see roads around the schools closed off with cones and signs and would be staffed to allow exempt vehicles to pass, such as those of local residents.

It is hoped that this will make social distancing easier for parents taking their children to school, as whole streets would effectively be pedestrianised.

The schools chosen for the scheme are: Ingram Road Primary School, Holbeck; Clapgate Primary, Middleton; Lane End Primary, Beeston; Thorpe Primary in Thorpe; Primrose Hill Primary in Pudsey and Crossgates Primary School, Cross Gates.

It is expected that, upon the schools’ reopening, the closure periods will be 45 minutes in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, with typical closure times being 8.30am–9.15am and 2.45pm–3.45pm.

A report by council officers claims the pilot scheme is intended to be rolled out to other schools, which could mean further street closures if successful.

It added: “These schools have been chosen due to previous work having been carried out to establish the ability to implement road closures through Play Streets and other assessment work.

“It is expected that a large number of other schools will be able to also implement School Streets but these sites will be established at a later date and funding will be required from central government to support a wider rollout.

“The schools have been identified as being in locations that are quick wins in relation to being able to support such street closures as they have previously taken part in Play Streets or have local support and will provide a model that can be rolled out across other schools in Leeds.

“School Streets require the full support of the headteacher to be introduced. Additional schools will be subject to further approvals to be funded from the central government funds to support Covid-19 interventions.”