Victory for residents over Epworth danger crossing

CONCERNS: Seen here at the junction of Blow Row and Burnham Road, Epworth, are (from left) Georgette Smith, Dee Malam, Axholme Central Ward Councillor Liz Redfern, Epworth Town Councillor Iain Bramble, Roy Hindmarsh of North Lincolnshire Council and Jane Copas.

A spokesman for North Lincolnshire Council confirmed a School Crossing Patrol would start the job at the zebra crossing in Burnham Road, Epworth, as soon as all the pre-employment checks have been complete.

The announcement follows a three year fight by concerned residents and school parents whose children attend nearby South Axholme School and Epworth Primary School.

A spokesman North Lincolnshire Council said: “We have appointed a School Crossing Patrol for Burnham Road in Epworth.

“As soon as all the pre-employment checks have been completed they will be starting. We know important it is to have a School Crossing Patrol to keep children safe when crossing the road, therefore we will ensure that they are in place as soon as possible.”

Residents launched a petition back in 2011 demanding a zebra crossing on the road which is the second-highest offending route for speeding motorists in the whole of North Lincolnshire.

Concerned residents in the Burnham Road area of Epworth collected 155 signatures after North Lincolnshire Council revealed there were 4,200 daily speeding offences along the route.

The petition – which had the support of headteachers from both South Axholme School and Epworth Primary School – was handed over to the council by Axholme Central Ward Councillor, Liz Redfern, accompanied by residents Georgette Smith and Dee Malam.

After winning their battle to get a zebra crossing residents were still upset that months later the crossing was still unmanned.

Speaking about the delay Dee Malam, involved in the campaign from the start said: “The situation is still the same and we are rapidly approaching our first half term with an unmanned zebra near two very busy schools which is wholly unacceptable.

“Only today a car drove over the crossing while I was waiting to cross.”

Ms Malam was among several residents who highlighted the situation to the Belles in a bid to finally secure this victory.

It is hoped the new crossing patrol employee will take up the new position during the next school term.