31 January 2008

School Governors concerned about lack of services

Governors at Ysgol Yr Hendre in Caernarfon are very concerned about the lack of a school patrol (Lollypop lady) at the school.

For the as two weeks the usual School Patrol has been absent from her post on the busy Beddgelert Road in Caernarfon. Police often target this road for their speed traps because it is considered a prime location for speeding motorists.

One school governor told Caernarfon Online. "I am appalled that no provision has been made to safeguard our children in such a busy location. Usually when  the school patrol is unavailable then we have seen police officers step in to help out."

"When I called the council I was told that no provisions had been made to replace the current school patrol who was off on sick leave due to a broken arm. I was certainly not happy with the reply I received from the Council officer. She told me that because we have a Pedestrian Crossing at the site then the onus was on parents and no blame could be aimed at the school, council or police if an accident occurred".

He went on to say "I find this response unacceptable, surely we are playing with the lives of our children here and should not be trying to pass the buck! I asked if the lack of service was down to cut-backs and this was denied".

He continued "The officer went on to tell me that no one had applied for the position and if I knew of anyone who wanted to carry out the relief work then I was to let her know. What I cannot understand is, how can people be aware of the job if no formal advert has been made in the press or at the Job Centre?"

 "The officer went on to tell me that no one would be replaced if the school patrol gave in her job! She said that the school patrol at Maesincla (on the busy Llanberis Road) had handed in his notice a while back and had not and would not be replaced! What's going on? Is this down to cut backs because we are having such things as free prescriptions and free hospital parking? Is the Assembly giving with one hand and then taking away with the other? Surely in this day and age, everyone must ensure the safety of our children?"

Gwynedd Councillor Roy Owen and Chairman of the school governors at Ysgol Yr Hendre was very concerned about the situation and was seen on duty with "High Viz" attire on Friday ensuring that children and parents were given a safe route to school.

Gwynedd Council spokesperson said:

“Ensuring the safety of Gwynedd’s children and young people as they walk to and from school each day is a key priority for the Council, and we thank the county’s lollipop men and women for their important work in promoting road safety amongst pupils and motorists.

“There are approximately 49 School Crossing Patrol staff who work outside Gwynedd’s schools, but when a member of staff is off work for it is not always possible to find alternative staff to fill the post. In the case of Ysgol yr Hendre, we are arranging for staff from the Council’s Road Safety Team along with North Wales Police to visit the school and provide on road training for the school's junior section in using a puffin crossing."

Head teachers at the school told Caernarfon Online that they were very concerned with the current situation and were pleased that Gwynedd Council were arranging a visit to the school, but at the same time hoped that normal service would resume shortly.