Concerns raised over safety at new Barnoldswick school site (From Craven Herald)

Concerns raised over safety at new Barnoldswick school site

9:00am Friday 1st March 2013 in News

Councillors have raised concerns about the safety of schoolchildren in Barnoldswick.

Plans for a new C of E Primary School on land adjoining the town’s high school were approved by Lancashire County Council in January, but councillors have now expressed their concerns about traffic and safety.

Coun Ken Hartley (Lib Dem) told the West Craven Area Committee: “There are going to be an awful lot of people about because of the two schools, so why can’t we put in a user-friendly traffic light-controlled crossing, rather than having cars screaming in and out of the entrance? Installing a pelican crossing on Kelbrook Road would allow young children to cross at a safe junction.”

Coun Jennifer Purcell (Cons) added: “What is a few more pounds compared to a child’s life? People do not always adhere to speeding regulations.”

Jason Homan, assistant director of property at Lancashire County Council, said: “If safety is an issue going forward, we will have to look at it.

“The safety of children is paramount, but there is a lot of technical input required. The discussions will be ongoing with our highways engineers.”

Committee chairman Coun David Whipp (Lib Dem) said: “There is quite a lot of nervousness by committee members regarding access arrangements. We’d like to press for a revised access off Kelbrook Road, perhaps either widening or realigning it off Kelbrook Road.”