Swindon Borough Council has decided not to replace a retiring lollipop lady on what is being labelled a ‘death trap’ road in Highworth.
She was perfectly placed in Brewery Street to help school pupils cross the road safely, serving students – and of course parents, relatives and guardians – who attend three schools in the area.
After years of benefiting from the road safety professional, Eastrop Infants School, Southfield Junior School and Warenford School pupils and their families will need to walk 150 metres to a pelican crossing or risk the road without a person in high viz to assist them.
A spokesperson for Highworth Community Speedwatch said: “We are surprised at the decision to withdraw funding for the lollipop person role on Brewery Street.
“When we are doing our best as volunteers to reduce speeding in the town and increase the safety for pedestrians and other road users, it seems odd to make a decision which will markedly decrease the safety of children and parents crossing the road.
“Although we are not able to operate speedwatch on Brewery Street, we do so on connecting roads on which speeding is rife.”
They suggested residents could take over the role on a voluntary basis, to try and prevent incidents on what is described as a “death trap” by so many locals.
“If the decision makers cannot be made to rethink their decision, then maybe the role could be filled by a rota of volunteers, on an official risk assessed basis.
“Highworth residents have shown by joining our team they are willing to volunteer to help improve safety in the town, so I am sure others would be willing to step forward to ensure the safety of children crossing Brewery Street.”
