Rudheath Primary Academy parent's petition to improve road safety

Emma Sharratt has set up a petition, urging Cheshire West and Chester Council to introduce new safety measures at Rudheath Primary Academy.

It comes following a series of near-misses, the latest of which involved Emma’s eldest daughter, 10-year-old Sofia.

“There were cars either side of the bump where people cross. Sofia went to cross and then one of the cars starts moving and she had to hop back onto the path. This has happened quite a lot of times,” said Emma, 31.

“People just don’t want to wait for you to cross the road if there is no lollypop lady there.”

Emma, whose two-year-old daughter Arya attends Little Owls Preschool, added: “Our children, the most precious constituents of our community, are facing a risky situation every day.

“The absence of proper crossing facilities on the busy route to Rudheath Primary Academy leaves them vulnerable.”

Emma with children Sofia, 10, Aria-Rose, 2, and Roemali, 10 months (Image: Supplied)

While the school does have a crossing patrol, the lollypop lady is unable to attend every day.

This, coupled with the fact there is no railing on the kerbside by the school’s pedestrian entrance, has left Emma feeling it is ‘unsafe’ for her children.

She believes that introducing a zebra crossing could ‘drastically reduce’ the chance of a serious accident.

“By introducing a permanent crossing facility, we can ensure that every child can safely go to school,” Emma said.

“Also, railings directly outside the school pedestrian entrance to stop children having the ability to accidently run out onto the main road.

“It will not only ensure the safety of our children but also place parents' minds at ease.

“This is not merely a personal plea; it is an appeal to safeguard all children within our community.”

There is no kerbside railing outside the pedestrian entrance to Rudheath Primary Academy (Image: Supplied)

Emma’s petition, on Change.org, has been signed more than 50 times since it was launched on September 16.

Rudheath Primary Academy’s head teacher, Andrew Ross, has voiced his support for Emma's campaign.

He said: “The importance of children’s safety arriving and leaving our school is our top priority. 

“We welcome any initiative to further create a safer environment for not only our children but also the wider community outside of the school crossing patrol’s hours.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been approached for comment.