Safety concerns as three Littlehampton schools merge

ABOUT 60 Littlehampton parents and residents have signed a petition calling for the safety of children to be given top priority.

In September, Connaught Junior School will merge with Elm Grove and Arun Vale infant schools, but parents say the larger school and its consequent larger catchment area will lead to the increase of traffic problems, and put children at risk.

The co-ordinator of the petition, who has asked not to be named, said while many children walked to school, there were not enough parking spaces for those who drove.

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This led, she said, to congestion on Queen Street, Cornwall Road, York 
Road and Connaught Road, as well as illegal parking on corners, double yellow lines and pavements, which 
was especially true at the key crossing point of Queen Street and York 
Road where the entrance of the new school, to be called River Beach Primary School, would be located.

“All of these issues seriously 
endanger pedestrians and schoolchildren,” she said.

“These points have already been raised by the police, who have written to parents via the schools to discourage this behaviour, but it continues unless police are actively patrolling.”

The petition has been submitted to Arun District and West Sussex County councils, in response to a planning application, which would see a state-of-the-art library, school hall and six new classrooms be built on the joint site.

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Residents made a number of suggestions on how the traffic situation could be improved, including installing a lollipop patrol at the crossing of Queen Road and York Road, and creating a pedestrian crossing at the south end of Green Lady alleyway, at East Street.

A residents-only zone in the surrounding roads was also put forward as a solution, as well as creating and supporting a “walking bus” scheme, to encourage parents to leave their cars at home.

The document concludes: “We trust you will consider our concerns and will act to safeguard children attending the new school, and prevent the deterioration of the quality of life for local residents.

To view, or comment on the planning application, go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/eplanning