Pupils at risk at new look school

PUPILS attending a new look Warrington primary school are at risk of being involved in a serious road accident, councillors have been warned.
Resident Alan Whitfield, of West Avenue, lives opposite the entrance of the new look Stockton Heath Primary School.
He told members of the local parish council the road was a “rat run” and that traffic measures, such as a 20 mph limit or speed ramps, were urgently needed.
He said: “I have watched children leaving the school and I am acutely aware of their vulnerability. There is no barrier across the exit stopping them running across the road.
“If something is not done quickly to control the speed or a barrier put up, one of the children could be involved in an accident and it could be serious.”
He also complained that the pavements in West Avenue/Kimberley Drive had worn away and “blended” into the road.
He said motorists often crossed the kerb and drove on part of the pavement.
Coun Liz Jewkes said: “I am quite surprised by the increase in volume of traffic on West Avenue. It is quite a busy road now. It is difficult to cross the road as many parents park on the double yellow lines.
“Things cannot continue the way they are. Something needs to be done before there is a traffic accident.”
Members suggested that parents should park their cars away from the school when dropping off or picking up children, to ease the traffic congestion.
Coun Celia Jordan (pictured) said: “We have got to discourage parents from parking near the school – they could walk the last 500 yards.There is an urgent need for something to be done.”
Members agreed to refer concerns to the borough council and to the head teacher at the school.
Police Community Support Officer Peter Crellin said he would monitor West Avenue with a speed gun.
He said the council traffic officers were monitoring the site and were aware of the problems.