Westwood School in March has 750 young pupils making it the largest in Cambridgeshire.
It is split over two sites with a busy road in between. Its size also means there are very large numbers of cars outside the school gates at drop off and collection times.
Yet, unlike many smaller schools it has no pelican or zebra crossing outside the school, and nor is there any school crossing patrol.
Teachers tell me that following a number of near misses they are increasingly worried about a serious accident injuring a child outside their school. Having discussed these concerns with Principal Ms Read, I raised this with Cambridgeshire County Council. You can read their reply below.
The County Council say until a cluster of accidents occur a pelican or puffin crossing will not be their priority. But given the large size of the school, its split sites, and the high volume of traffic, action should be taken now to prevent an accident, not wait until a child is hurt and act afterwards.
The County Council’s letter suggests a Local Highway Improvements (LHI)’s application should be made. However this would not fund even a quarter of the cost.
Having researched recent s106 payments made in respect of new housing built in March over recent years, it is clear funding is available to the County Council to be spent in Fenland in respect of payments by housing developers. The County Council should release s106 funding to pay for this scheme.
If you agree, here is how you can help:
Watch the video to hear directly from staff and pupils at Westwood School as to why these road safety improvements are needed.
Then
- Sign the petition below calling on Cambridgeshire County Council to take action now rather than waiting until a child is injured.
