Road safety outside Lindley Junior and Lindley CE Infant School has been of ongoing concern for parents for many years. In December 2011 the issue came to a head when parents protested outside the Schools blocking vehicles from entering George Street. This resulted in the police having to patrol the highway at the start and end of the School day for a number of months.

The latest proposals include:

• Construction of new steps from George Street into the Junior School
• Re-aligning of the kerbing around George Street and Whitteron Close.
• Widening of the footway outside the bungalows and installing new ornamental fence. (agreed with Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing)
• Introduction of a plateau at the junction of Whitteron Close and George Street. (Subject to legal advertisement)
• Implementation of a 20mph Zone for the length of George Street (Subject to legal advertisement)
• Upgrading of street lighting to compliment the scheme.
• Blocking up of existing entrance on George Street with new section of wall.
• Provision of a new length of footway on George Street from Holly Bank Road to the new steps.

A contribution of £33,000 has been agreed, a further contribution of £35,000 is being allocated from Highway Safety budgets. However the scheme will require planning permission and as such the overall scheme cost and contribution needed may change subject to any planning conditions implemented during this process.

Cllr Cahal Burke said:

“The two Lindley schools have been troubled with parking problems for many years.

“As local councillor for Lindley, I have made sure that the concerns of local residents and the school community’s have been communicated to the Council throughout the campaign and this has led to Highways Engineers coming forward with a range of proposals costing £68k in total to make the area around the two schools safer. I will continue to consult with residents and the schools going forward and keep them updated on developments.

“Through my continued efforts with Council, no waiting/no loading restrictions at peak times have already been introduced to remove obstructive parking connected with local school traffic and allow enforcement in conjunction with “School Keep Clear” markings on George Street. However, I would like to see the developments as outlined in the proposal carried out as, unfortunately, some parents are still driving dangerously and ignoring parking restrictions.

“The safety of the young people and family members that are on foot in and around the school is of primary concern. This is always the message from the two Lindley schools and they do well in promoting walking to school and road safety, with regular correspondence to parents regarding this issue. The schools will continue to play an important role in tackling road safety even if the developments take place and monitoring of the situation will need to continue.

“The proposed changes will also alleviate a major problem for those residents on Whitteron Close who struggle with access in and out of the area near their homes due to parents parking in the immediate vicinity of the school and pulling up and stopping on George Street to drop off children at school beginning and ending times.

“I am delighted the concerns of residents and the school community into account and they see the importance of creating a safer environment in this busy school area”