16/03/04 - School crossing vandals are risking pupils and local residents' lives

A Cumbrian head teacher says that vandals who attacked a newly installed puffin crossing outside her school risked the lives of children and local residents.

Cumbria County Council spent £39,000 on the new crossing at St.Peter's School in Ireleth through its Better Ways to School initiative.

Each year the Authority invests hundreds of thousands of pounds on projects which improve safety for pupils and parents during the journey to and from school. Schemes that have been implemented recently include the installation of new pedestrian crossings, physical safety measures and ongoing road safety education.

The new crossing on the busy A595 was attacked within days of being installed and £1,500 of damage was caused when vandals forced open a junction box, cut wires and smothered vital electrical equipment with Polyfilla. The Council quickly carried out repairs and, together with school staff, is keeping a close eye on the crossing which gives children and local residents a safe route across the road.

Head teacher Sue McWilliam vowed the vandals wouldn’t win.

“We have had a terrible problem with speeding traffic outside the school and the problem isn’t helped by the fact there is a nasty bend nearby. This crossing is of immense benefit to children and their parents, as well as the local community because the school is used as a venue during the evening.

“More and more people are using this crossing and everyone is determined to keep a close eye on it so that vandals don’t have the chance to cause any more damage. We are talking about people’s safety and that is something that just can’t be compromised.”

The new Puffin crossing is an integral part of a travel plan, produced by staff at St Peter’s, which will address some of the issues affecting children on their journey to and from school.

As well as paying for the £39,000 crossing, the County Council has also purchased some reflective bibs for all pupils at the school.