The recent decision by the Labour-run Peterborough City Council to scrap four school crossing patrols across the city, including one at Eye Primary School, has raised serious concerns about the safety of our children. This decision directly threatens the well-being of students who rely on these vital services to cross busy roads safely as they make their way to and from school.
A Disastrous Decision for Our Children
School crossing patrols are an essential part of ensuring that children can safely cross roads, particularly near busy schools and roads with high traffic volumes. These patrols play a key role in preventing accidents, especially in areas where there are no other crossing measures in place.
By cutting four school crossing patrols, including the one in Eye, the Labour administration is jeopardising the safety of students who, in many cases, are too young to navigate busy roads on their own. It is not just a cut to a service; it is a direct risk to the safety and security of our children.
The Impact on Eye Primary School
One of the most worrying aspects of this decision is the impact on Eye Primary School, where the patrol was already a critical service. With busy roads surrounding the school, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times, the loss of this patrol means that children will no longer have the supervision they need to cross safely.
This decision has left parents, teachers, and local residents deeply concerned. The school community in Eye has rallied around the issue, but despite their concerns, the Labour administration has moved forward with the cuts, showing a worrying disregard for the safety of our youngest citizens.
The Conservative Response
In response to this decision, Conservative councillors have been working hard to find alternative solutions to protect our children. Cllr Steve Allen and Cllr Rylan Ray, as well as other local representatives have been vocal in their opposition to this cut, calling on the council to reverse its decision and prioritise the safety of students.
Additionally, Conservative councillors have used their Community Leadership Funds to support initiatives like the continuation of the school crossing patrols at least until the end of the school year, which will ensure that students at Eye Primary School can safely cross the road.
Cllr Steve Allen said: "The Council need to re-think its decision to make Lisa, the well loved lollipop lady, redundant. Eyebury Road is a notorious rat run, with far too much traffic taking a short cut to Eastern Industry, and the threat of construction traffic for the housing development just around the corner. Now is not the time to remove the safety and reassurance provided by the crossing patrol."