Crossing rejection angers schools amid fears over safety

Mar 5 2009 By Hannah Williams

Schools have expressed disappointment after plans for traffic calming measures have been recommended to be refused by council officials.

A light-controlled pedestrian crossing outside Chesham Park Community College in Chartridge Lane, Chesham, is set to be turned down under Bucks County Council's delegated budget for the next financial year.

This has prompted the school to appeal for the council's Chiltern Local Committee, which made the decisions, to reconsider.

The committee cited the high cost of the crossing, £60,000, 'would not be appropriate for this budget'.

Deputy headteacher David Futerman, said: "We are a bit disappointed but I suppose we were expecting it. We would like them to reconsider it because we think it would make it safer for the children to get to school."

Mr Futerman, who is also the school's travel plan co-ordinator, said the pupils had provided information on the speed of vehicles using the road by using a speed indicator device.

He added: "It would have been nice as the kids have done all of the work. How much is a life worth?"