I visited St. Mary's RC Primary School today to talk with the staff, local police, the headteacher, chair of governors, and head of the PTA about ongoing road safety issues outside of the school on Haig Avenue.
For years now, the school has struggled with some quite dangerous issues outside of the school. During the school run, parents have been parking on pavements, on single-yellow lines, and in the decommissioned bus layby due to the lack of adequate parking in the area. The dangerous parking has meant that children struggle to cross the road safely, and the haphazard parking has made the already-narrow road even more difficult for passing traffic to navigate, along with blocking the pavements.
I was keen to meet the school to both discuss these issues in person and to see them for myself first-hand. During the meeting, it was clear to see that it is a matter if when, not if, a serious accident occurs because of these issues. I was told that there have been a number of minor incidents, such as children being hit by the doors of parked cars as they open, and that the situation clearly needs resolving.
I have written to Lancashire County Council to request a joint meeting between them, myself, and the school to see if we can find a way to improve the safety outside of the school. Children should always be able to feel safe and secure coming to and from school.
