Newark and Sherwood district councillors raise concerns over lack of crossing patrols at Coddington Primary School

A crossing patrol could soon be re-introduced outside a school, after concerns were raised for children’s safety.

Two Newark and Sherwood district councillors wrote an open letter to County Hall demanding that a crossing patrol be immediately restored at Coddington Primary School.

In their letter, Johno Lee and Mathew Skinner said: “Isn’t it fantastic that our village school is open again, children back in the classroom with their friends enjoying their learning?” they wrote.

“But how long will it be before a child is seriously hurt or killed making their way to and from school?”

Councillors Mr Lee, who represents Balderton and Coddington, and Mr Skinner, of Beacon ward, wrote to the county council in its capacity as local education authority and with responsibility for highways.

Since Coddington School reopened, the school crossing patrol hasn’t been in place either in the mornings or afternoon on Beckingham Road, Coddington.

Mr Lee said: “We all know drivers speed on this stretch of road, it’s only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured or killed by a speeding driver.

“I have been contacted by several residents of Coddington who like to walk to school but feel it’s currently not very safe to do so.

“The county council has known about this problem for several weeks now and haven’t done anything about it.

The road from Newark is 50mph which reduces to 40mph as it approaches the village.

It had a crossing patrol man for many years.

Mr Skinner said: “Safety of children must be the priority of every local authority, I understand the county council want to operate the crossing with two people, we had one and now we have none.

“This isn’t good enough.”

John Cottee, chairman of the council’s communities and place committee said: “We have been actively recruiting to replace the school crossing patrol on Beckingham Road, Coddington, serving Coddington Primary School.

“We are pleased to let parents know that we have had interest from applicants for the role and we are hopeful we will be able to give them further good news on re-opening the site after half term.”