School crossing deadlock set to continue

Jul 23 2009 By Vicki Eltis

Cleeves School in Weybridge has broken up for the summer with no end in sight to the impasse preventing a crossing being built.

Work outside the school in Oatlands Avenue has yet to start despite a report being approved by Surrey County Council in March because headteacher Sue Croft allegedly has been unwilling to have a meeting to discuss the plans.

Work could not go ahead until the school agreed to close the gates, however Mrs Croft, has always stated that the system in place works well.
MP Philip Hammond said on Tuesday (July 21) he would urge the Chairman of Governors to start dialogue with officers.

He said: "Officers are quite concerned that their views to optimise safety at the school have been ignored, and I feel the governors need to take this on and address these issues."

Campaign group CRISIS, which stands for Cross the Road in Safety, collected 1,300 signatures from parents and residents for a pedestrianised crossing to make it safe for pupils earlier this year.

Mr Hammond added: "If this was a private land owner making a decision about their property then you could say they are entitled to their opinion but when its a public place like a school being recommended by a public body on the grounds of safety then this is very concerning."

Resident Jane Ince said: "Having lived in Oatlands Avenue for many years I regard Cleves School as a vital part of the Oatlands community. CRISIS fear that the 'accident waiting to happen' on our road will involve a Cleves pupil.

"Controlling speeding and easing traffic congestion and establishing a safe crossing point can only improve our local community and there should not be contentious issues.

"Crisis is pushing for these safety measures and it is puzzling and frustrating to see progress being impeded apparently by a standoff between the council and the head of Cleves. A way forward must be identified without delay."

Spearheading the campaign, Karin Peluso, of Conifers, said: "It is unbelievable that the school have chosen to not meet with officers. Parents and residents have been extermely patient with the increasing traffic problems and the loss of opportuntiy to clear at least the commuters from the area. The schools current stand off will fuel further hostilities across the board."

A spokeswoman for the governors and leadership team say they continue to support the principle of a safe crossing.

However she added: "We have expressed serious reservations about the scheme currently being progressed due to its location, lack of a controlled signal and most significantly the requirement to end the present drop-off arrangements which are popular and work well."

Despite SCC saying the school had yet to have any successful dialogue the spokeswoman suggested the governors would be happy to meet with them.

Vehicle Activates Signs (VAS) signs were put up on Wednesday July 8 to alert drivers of their speed, paid for by councillor Roy Taylor.