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Pupils campaign for 20mph zone
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“WATCH your speed on the roads around our school.”
That is the message from pupils at Lytham St Annes Technology and Performing Arts College as they mount a campaign to have speed limits slashed to 20mph.
Although Worsley Road, the main round surrounding the school has been designated a 20mph zone, Albany Road, which is at the side, has not.
But after two students were involved in minor accidents, the school’s student council decided to take action.
A petition has been set up and a letter sent out to parents to gain support.
A huge banner has been installed outside the school to attract attention to their plight and the petition has also been put on to social networking site Facebook.
Sixth Former, Greg Anderton, chairman of the student council, said: “As a student council it is our responsibility to support any matters of concern which affect our fellow students.
“We’re heartened by parents and students who have responded favourably to the petition.”
Lancashire County Council has a policy which decrees any road around a school must have a 20mph speed limit.
Speed restrictions on both roads were considered three years ago when County Coun Tim Ashton, who has responsibility for highways, visited the school.
As a result of the pupil’s concerns, double yellows were placed on Worsley Road.
But as the roads form part of a busy commuter route, the speed restriction was not put in place on Albany Road.
Coun Ashton will be meeting with students again next week however and has vowed to address their concerns.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the students taking ownership of this issue.
“The safety of young people on roads on the county is paramount, but this issue is quite complex.
“As this is a commuter route, we have to be careful to ensure we are not going to cause problems with the flow of traffic.
“I will ensure this matter is raised however and examine all options including putting a speed restriction in place when school opens and closes.”
Philip Wood, headteacher of Lytham High added: “I have been very impressed by our students for taking this initiative.
“They have been pressing their case for a long time now and are very disappointed that the dangers are being ignored.”
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Wednesday 30 May 2012
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