Lollipop lady backs new safety measures in Monkwick Avenue (From Gazette)
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Lollipop lady backs new safety measures in Monkwick Avenue
8:00am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Colchester By Adam Cornell
Campaign – Pauline Meader and councillor Dave Harris
A FORMER lollipop lady is backing the Make School Road Safer campaign.
Pauline Meader spent ten years helping children to cross nearby Monkwick Avenue, Colchester, before retiring, only to see the school crossing patrol removed a short time later.
She was devastated to hear a child had been hit by a car outside Monkwick Junior School, in School Road, and seriously injured.
Mrs Meader begged County Hall to listen and make changes.
She said: “It was awful, shocking and all too believable to hear someone had been knocked down.
“It was not a surprise as the road was an accident waiting to happen.
“I just hope the council listens and changes things before it happens to another child.”
Mrs Meader praised ward councillors Dave Harris and Kim Naish for all their efforts to get a change and the Gazette for campaigning to keep children safe.
She said: “Something has to be done. I helped about 500 children a day to cross and enjoyed every minute, until the last year or so.
“I doubt the council will do anything about it but I like to think it could, and nothing will happen if people do not try.
“I am happy to do what I can to help.”
The Gazette launched the Make School Road Safer campaign after eight-year-old Tiana Page was knocked down outside the school in December.
The campaign is supporting the work done by ward members and headteachers at the surrounding schools – Monkwick Infants, Monkwick Juniors and Thomas Lord Audley – whose children all use the road.
It is being supported by Tiana’s family, who bravely spoke out to try to get changes.
The Gazette is calling for railings to be installed around Monkwick Junior School, zig zag markings the length of School Road and parking restrictions extended, from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
There is also the hope in the future the school crossing patrol could be reinstated along Monkwick Avenue and a new car park and footpath may be possible along Queen Elizabeth Way to take the strain off School Road.
To support the campaign send in the support form or visit www.gazette-news.co.uk and click on the link.
Alternatively, visit Blackheath Post Office or Keyshaws shop, in Finchingfield Way.
r4euh8ah says...
3:05pm Mon 20 Feb 12
The council is not made of money so should be spending what little they have where it can make a real difference at proven accident sites rather than bowing to the will of councillors who are interested in nothing other than getting votes.
The School Crossing Patrol service was removed because it wasn't thought to be necessary. In these financially tough times there is no hope or need to have it reinstated. Regardless the SCP was on another road entirely therefore why bring it up. The two issues are completely separate.
Also, the cost of of making major changes to parking infrastructure is beyond ridiculous. If the councillors pull that one of the bag then good luck to them. Where is the real justification for these sort of measures. For me, one accident doesn't cut it.