Road safety measures on a busy Hartlepool street have been welcomed by a headteacher who says her pupils are now able to get to and from school more safely.
Carolyn Lakin, Head of School at Lynnfield Primary School, described a new zebra crossing with speed cushions either side in Murray Street as a “game-changer”.
“Parents are telling us how delighted they are with the crossing and pupils themselves say it makes them feel much safer.
“I would like to thank Hartlepool Borough Council and particularly our Victoria Ward councillors for their help in bringing this important School Safety Scheme to fruition,” she said.
The safety measures, on the site of an existing school crossing patrol, also have a wider community benefit as Murray Street is a busy commercial area used by lots of pedestrians.
Hartlepool Borough Council agreed to the improvements in response to concerns raised by local residents and businesses over the speed of traffic on Murray Street.
Pupils from Lynnfield Primary School with (left-right) Councillor Gary Allen, Councillor Christopher Wallace, Head of School Carolyn Lakin and Councillor Karen Oliver
Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee and a local ward councillor, said: “Making the borough’s roads as safe as possible is a top priority for the Council, so the ringing endorsement of this scheme by Lynnfield Primary School is really welcome.
“I have previously commended those residents and businesses that campaigned for action to curb the speed of traffic in Murray Street, and I would once again like to compliment them on their community spirit and determination to bring about change.
“This scheme is also a great example of the Council listening to local concerns, taking action to address them, and, in turn, making our neighbourhoods stronger.”
The scheme has cost around £30,000, with funding coming from the School Safety Schemes budget within the Council’s Local Transport Plan.