Carrick principal to ‘continue fight’ for school crossing patrol person

Mrs Miller contacted parents today (Tuesday) to voice concerns after receiving communication from the Education Authority (EA).

In correspondence to the school, the EA stated a road safety assessment had been carried out on September 24 and the existing pelican crossing at the front of the school was “actively used.”

The assessment found that the crossing provided 20 seconds of crossing time and the report concluded that it is “unnecessary for a SCP to man this pelican crossing due to the fact that the pelican crossing stops the traffic within 30 seconds of being pushed, thus providing a safe means to cross the road”.

Commenting on the findings, Mrs Miller said: “I have asked the Education Authority and Department of Education to put on record how dissatisfied I am with this decision.

“The Education Authority have also stated that volunteers can no longer man the crossing, so parents must ensure their child arrives safely at school. I therefore have to ask our volunteers to stand down.

“I wish to thank them for the time they have given to this over the last number of weeks.

“I will, of course, continue to fight this decision.”

East Antrim UUP MLA John Stewart has said a delegation of local elected representatives will be calling for a meeting with the EA’s Chief Executive in a bid to have the decision reviewed.

Mr Stewart said: “I honestly can’t believe that anyone could argue it is safe for an unmanned crossing at one of the busiest roads in the town.

“The EA have also said that the volunteers who have be doing a shift each morning are not allowed to continue.

“This decision is simply wrong as is the general policy not to replace other lollipop men and women at schools once they retire.

“I have discussed the matter already today with other local representatives and we will be requesting a meeting with the Chief Executive of the Education Authority as soon as possible to ask that the decision is reviewed.”

In September, the Times reported how volunteers had stepped in to help children cross the road safely at the school amid ongoing calls for the role to be filled permanently.

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