CONCERNED parents who have called for immediate road safety action outside a school have been backed by their local MP who has vowed to help allay issues.
St John’s Primary School, in Penistone, has gone without a crossing guard since the beginning of October but despite just weeks passing, parents claim two ‘near-miss’ incidents have occurred, involving children and passing vehicles.
Although Barnsley Council’s application process is underway, an ‘immediate’ solution is needed, they say, to protect children from harm.
Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has backed the parents’ safety campaign.
“As a local parent I share serious safety concerns as a result of the ongoing absence of a school crossing guard outside St John’s Primary,” she said.
“Thank you to all the parents and members of our community who have contacted me about this issue.
“I’ve already raised this multiple times, with Barnsley Council, as a serious safety risk to the children.
“I am in close contact with the relevant councillors and the environment and transport team regarding the recruitment process.
“Barnsley Council have been working hard to recruit a replacement for a number of months and I know crossing guard positions are often difficult to fill.
“The application is still open on the council’s website - posters have been put up locally and I will also be sharing the advertisement across my social media.
“I would encourage anyone interested in the role to apply as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, I’ll be working with parents to work out a temporary solution, and ensure our children are kept safe - that is my priority.
“If there is anything further I can do to support parents during this transition period, please get in touch with me.”
Parent Fiona Ackerman believes it’s only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs at the school, on High Street.
“In the past two weeks alone, there have been two near misses - local councillors have already been made aware of this issue yet nothing has been done.
“It seems that until a child is actually hit, no-one is willing to take responsibility or act with urgency.
“One simple and immediate solution would be to reassign the crossing guard currently stationed at Springvale.
“That position covers a zebra crossing which appears to pose far less risk than the crossing outside St John’s.
“Redirecting that resource - even temporarily - could help protect the children who face genuine danger every single school day.
“It is deeply concerning that the council’s poor planning and the school’s lack of visible action are allowing this situation to continue.
“Unless something is done quickly, we fear the story will end in tragedy and no amount of hindsight will undo the consequences of such inaction.”
The school - which sits near two busy junctions - is encountering issues with parked vehicles, which block sight lines.
Headteacher Susie Arnold told the Chronicle: “We’re doing all we can to address the situation but there’s just been no takers for the crossing guard position as yet.
“The school’s staff are doing the best they can in the meantime and I’d appeal to motorists to take extra precautions when they are driving nearby.”
