Fears as crossing patrols reviewed

Fears are mounting that not enough will be done to protect youngsters making their way to Tow Law Millennium Primary School after Durham County Council said it was reviewing crossing patrols in the area.

Joanne Hunt patrols the busy A68 road and adjoining Wolsingham Road, but leaves the role on Friday for personal reasons.

She says a crash in which a car careered into the town’s war memorial, at 8.45am on Saturday, was one of a string of accidents at the junction.

“If you think about it, had the accident happened during the week, it could have been me or a child,” she said.

“The worst thing is the fog, which we get an awful lot of here. The kids can just about see my coat.

“It is very, very dangerous.”

She cited a similar incident in November.

“I was still seeing children across the road and the police were here dealing with an accident,”

she said.

It is thought the authority’s review will lead to a crossing patrol officer being tied to the A68, leaving children tackling the smaller Wolsingham Road at risk.

Crossings are assessed according to national guidelines which tally the number of vehicles against the amount of people using it.

Lisa Jackson, headteacher at Millennium primary school, said that having only 89 pupils at the school may affect the council’s decision.

“It is an accident waiting to happen,” she said. “We are a small school, but every child has a right to come to school in safety, and the size of the school shouldn’t make a difference.”

County councillor Patricia Jopling will meet County Hall representatives today.

She said: “I think that corner is particularly dangerous.

“I understand the council says not many people use it, but there is a safety issue.”

A spokesman for Durham County Council said: “In order to have a school crossing patrol, the road in question must meet national criteria.

“In relation to this crossing patrol in Tow Law, we are currently looking at options that will help to ensure the service continues.”