New safety measure outside Sandy school may signal the end of crossing patrol role

But approval for the scheme is likely to mean the crossing patrol being withdrawn outside St Swithun’s Primary School in Ivel Road.

A further three-week statutory consultation will be needed before any work can begin on the project in the town’s High Street.

Sandy town councillor Nigel Aldis told a Central Bedfordshire Council traffic management meeting: “The favoured option is the zebra crossing, which is by far the best solution.

“The pavement on the opposite side from the school is very narrow and a railing would make going along that path more difficult.

“It would be good to retain the patrol lady because she does bring a greater degree of safety to youngsters crossing the road. It’s also used by old folk living nearby who access a community club in Stonecroft, and it’s part of the Greensand Ridge Walk and the Sandy Green Wheel.”

Town mayor Michael Scott warned: “It’s the visibility of the crossing which is important. There was an accident last year. I implore the council to install a zebra for the safety of everyone in the town.”

A 321-signature petition supporting a pedestrian crossing was presented by Independent Sandy councillor Simon Ford to a traffic management meeting last summer.

He quoted at the time from a resident: “Families either have to dice with death or face a long wait” to cross the road.

“There was an unfortunate incident with a child, who was hit in that area close to the crossing, outside the hours the school patrol is operating.”

School governor at St Swithun’s and Conservative Northill councillor Frank Firth said he “would hate to lose the patrol officer”.

Lisa Wright, of CBC highways, said: “Back in 2008, Bedfordshire County Council consulted about introducing traffic calming measures, including a 20mph zone and pedestrian crossings, in High Street, Cambridge Road and St Swithun’s Way.

“There was support for some measures, except for a crossing by the school.”

After a fresh consultation was asked for in July, the latest report sets out three options, she explained.

These are to retain the current school crossing patrol “as it works well”, install a zebra crossing and probably lose the patrol, or keep things the same and provide railings on the pavement where the accident happened.

Conservative Sandy councillor Tracey Stock referred to the 2008 evidence, saying: “Certainly traffic and times have changed since then.

“We’ve heard about the incident last year, very sadly, the little boy was knocked over and hospitalised, so it was quite serious. Speeding remains an issue. Although it’s a 20mph zone, this isn’t adhered to much of the time.

“It’s an extremely busy road especially at peak times and alot of vehicles use it as a rat run from the A1.”

She asked for the crossing patrol officer to be retained until she leaves or retires.

Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno, who chairs the meeting, suggested the town council might consider funding her role.

“There has to be a balance, I’m afraid,” he explained. “If we ever take one out it has to be a concern. We’re going to consult on option two and bring back the outcome of that to this committee.”

> What's the best way ahead in your view? Email e[email protected]