Ken’s cross over busy school road
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 16 September 2008
A SADDLEWORTH parish councillor has threatened to blockade a busy road unless action is taken to protect schoolchildren.
Ken Hulme, a former governor of Delph Primary School, says he and parents will carry out his threat unless Oldham Council find a lollipop person.
He said: “Our children are in danger from speeding motorists. I am perfectly willing to sit in the road to make the point that something must be done. And I know other parents would join me.”
Councillor Hulme announced his move after people protested to Oldham Council about heightened dangers from speeding vehicles and parked cars.
He added: “There is a head of steam building up over this crossing among parents. If any child was injured, they would take their concerns straight to the council‘s main offices.
“They are determined not to put up with this any longer. The problem must be resolved.”
Borough councillor Alan Roughley said: “The problem at is due almost entirely to parents bringing their children by car.
“The road is littered with vehicles parked on both sides and, illegally, on the pavements.
“You can’t have walking buses from up to three miles away, but it would be a great help if children were dropped off a short distance from the school.
“It is so sad that at a school where a previous head used to act as crossing patrol, parents are seemingly unwilling to agree not to stop directly in front of the building or share the lollipop job between them.
“Is it good enough for parents to shout at the council but not to take any responsibility?”
A council spokesperson said: “Our road-safety supervisor is in the process of trying to fill the position at Delph Primary.
“Unfortunately, despite extensive advertising, this important community position is still vacant.
“As a council we are committed to protecting the safety of all children at all times, and are trying to get a new person in place as quickly as possible.”
l Anyone is interested in taking the lollipop job should contact Margaret Duffy on 0161-770 4338.
