Portslade parents still waiting for new school crossing

Parents, teachers and pupils in Portslade are still waiting for a new road crossing outside a school – despite repeatedly claiming they are dicing with death every day.

Hundreds of people signed a petition calling for a crossing patrol near St Peter’s Primary School in St Peter’s Road.

With the south coast’s busiest port on its doorstep, industrial units nearby and a major arterial road just yards away, those on the school run said a few road safety measures would make it a lot less perilous.

But, nearly a year after the issue was first raised, campaigners claim they are still waiting for a response from Brighton and Hove City Council.

Ward councillor Alan Robins said: “I first raised this issue at council nearly a year ago yet no action has been taken.

“Despite countless promises from the Greens, we have still not been presented with any options for a new crossing or explanation for why one can’t be installed.

“Its time for this administration to get to grips with this issue and give parents and children the crossing they are asking for.”

Cllr Robins said he first raised the issue at a town hall meeting in July.

A petition signed by more than 800 people was then presented to the council’s transport committee in October.

Speaking at a town hall meeting, parent Rae Powers, who lives in Norway Street, Portslade, said: “It’s children versus articulated lorries, it’s not a fair competition.

“All the neighbouring schools have adequate crossings, we have none. And they do not have gravel lorries they are fighting against.”

In response, Councillor Pete West, chairman of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said the request would be considered alongside others by the end of the year.

Cllr West added that the local authority was restricted financially and was not able to do everything it wanted to.

At the committee’s meeting in March, Cllr West told those present that feasibility studies had taken place and it would be considered as part of the annual process.

But speaking today (Wednesday May 14), Cllr Robins said he was still waiting for a positive response to the requests.