Safe to Cross

Story: Liz Smith | Photo: Richard Hanson

Plans for the new crossing at St Catherine's School were threatened in July after funding was withdrawn. The school, local residents and Councillors campaigned to have the funding reinstated and in August they were successful.

As part of the expansion of St. Catherine's on Firshill Crescent, one planning condition was for highways improvements to be carried out in anticipation of the increase in traffic. The funding was granted in June 2009 and work was due to take place during the summer holidays 2010.

The school and local residents have been working to address traffic problems near the school, with a number of schemes: route markings for the walking bus provided by the TARA, staff from the school running the walking bus, and Sheffield Academy letting school staff and parents use their car park to avoid congestion at school. Staff and parents have also signed up to a Travel Plan Manifesto.

When the School was informed the funding had been withdrawn, they went to the Town Hall on 28th July to present a petition of 494 signatures from members of the local community who were all concerned and highly frustrated. Isaac, a pupil at St. Catherine's, read the Travel Plan Manifesto to the Councillors.

The school has now received confirmation that the crossing outside the school and parking restrictions will be completed during the October half term. This is a very successful outcome for the school and for our community and we are very grateful to all those who supported the campaign and signed the petition to make Firshill Crescent a safer place for residents and visitors!