Accident leads to safety moves

Failsworth School pupils cross busy Brierley Avenue

NEW TRAFFIC calming measures could be introduced outside Failsworth School after a pupil was involved in a serious accident.

The Year 7 student ran out into Brierley Avenue during a snowball fight on February 10 and was in collision with a car.

He was taken to hospital with a broken leg in two places but is now recovering at home.

The specialist sports college is now working with Oldham Council to see if any improvements can be made to the road layout.

Staff have met representatives from the highways and engineering department at the Unity Partnership and Oldham Council to look at traffic claming measures.

Although discussions are at a very early stage, proposals could include moving bus stops and increased metal barriers.

A letter has been issued to parents asking them not to park directly in front of the school when taking pupils to and from school.

Parents have also been urged not park on the pavement outside the school building, and to speak to their children about road safety and using official crossing points.

Emma Fotherby, assistant business manager, said: “It was a terrible accident, but one which was not the driver’s fault as the student’s vision was not blocked.

“We are working with the council to look at various things including road markings and where crossings are.

“Because we feel we need to review the whole situation, we have issued a polite request to parents to talk to children about road safety and not to park outside or on pavements.”