Ask any Councillor for the biggest complaints in their Ward and a pound to a penny speeding and parking will be high on their list. In my Heighington and Coniscliffe Ward, most of the roads are narrow with blind summits and lots of tight corners to negotiate, which should make drivers drive with due care, but from complaints received few do. Recently I received the following letter sent to me by pupils from Heighington Primary School prompted by their concerns about speeding vehicles:
NO NEED FOR SPEED!
We are reporters at Heighington CE Primary School and, today, we are representing our whole school in asking for your help.
Recently we have noticed that some people are driving much too fast in Heighington, particularly coming into the village on Redworth Road. This is extremely concerning because we need to get in and out of school safely every day. We are very worried that somebody, including yourself, could be injured. Even our friendly pets and wildlife are at risk.
We know that nobody wants to cause an accident, so we are asking you to think about your speed and slow down whilst driving in our village and anywhere else.
Please remember to ‘Think, slow down and keep everyone safe!’
Many thanks from the Children of Heighington CE Primary School
Reported by:
Heidi, Tom, Jess and Oliver (Age 10).
MILLBANK BARRIERS
Because of Covid-19 social distancing restrictions, our school has introduced a ‘one way’ system for parents taking or picking their children up from school, whereby parents assemble at the main school gates and leave using the Redworth Road gate. Exiting onto Redworth Road leaves some parents and children having to walk down the topside of Millbank, which does not have a footpath, putting them in danger as they cannot see oncoming traffic round the blind corner. Having watched parents having to walk as close to the tall stone wall until they could see if the road was clear, I felt that something had to be done to ensure the parents and their children could walk down Millbank safely.
Having consulted with DBC Highways, the school, and more recently residents living in the Orchard, barriers are to be installed in the next week or two. The barriers will be 1500mm from the stone wall and will create a safe walkway for pedestrians using Millbank.
Traffic leaving Hopelands from the school junction will turn right down the hill and leave via Water Lane, South View or Walworth Road. Access from Redworth Road/Hall Lane junction into Millbank will be for The Orchard residents only and new road signage will be installed accordingly.
The introduction of the pedestrian barriers will cause some disruption in the village, so I ask for your acceptance that it is imperative that we keep our little ones safe and for your patience. The Barriers are temporary and will be removed when the dangers from Coronavirus has gone.
SILENT SANTA APPEAL
Thanks to all who have contributed so far. The Appeal is still ongoing – so do try to help.
Councillor Gerald G. Lee
