NEARLY 400 people have signed a petition started by a “frustrated” parent to reinstate a lollipop crossing service outside a busy school junction.
Mother of two Emma Jenkins has said that BCP Council has made “no effort” to keep the children of St Luke’s Primary School in Winton safe.
Emma said: “The previous legend of a lollipop lady Mrs Slater, who manned the crossing at the busy Bemister Road and Luther Road junction for the school’s junior site, retired in December 2019.
“BCP Council advertised this job once and, not getting any suitable applicants, have made no effort to recruit since that time.
“The Hill View Primary Academy has two lollipop people and a zebra crossing – we have nothing. It just feels like the council doesn’t take the safety of our kids seriously.”
This comes soon after BCP Council backtracked a decision to remove a lollipop crossing service outside of Longfleet Primary School in Poole after pressure from parents and the school. The authority added that the service would eventually be replaced by a permanent crossing system.
Emma, whose five and six-year-old children attend St Luke’s, added: “It’s outrageous and we’re just frustrated. A person is very different to a zebra crossing for example.
“My kids used to scooter to school. On one occasion, the lollipop lady grabbed my daughter because she was going to go straight into the road without stopping. Little kids aren’t going to stop at a zebra crossing on their own.”
In order to express concern Emma, backed by various parents, started a petition to get the council’s attention. More than 380 people have signed so far ahead of a 500 target.
Regarding the response thus far, Emma said: “This proves that there is appetite for something to be done before someone gets hurt. People feel strongly about this as our children deserve to be safe.
“Come on BCP Council, this isn't good enough.”
A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the traffic concerns around St Luke’s Junior School and are currently considering our options for this location.”
The Daily Echo has approached St Luke’s Junior School to comment.
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