Call for crossing at Largymore School

A petition has been launched calling for a crossing to be installed at one of the busiest roads near one of the city’s primary schools.
Councillor Janet Gray, MLA Jonathan Craig with councillor Uel Mackin with principal Gillian Dunlop, staff and children outside Largymore PrimaryCouncillor Janet Gray, MLA Jonathan Craig with councillor Uel Mackin with principal Gillian Dunlop, staff and children outside Largymore Primary
Councillor Janet Gray, MLA Jonathan Craig with councillor Uel Mackin with principal Gillian Dunlop, staff and children outside Largymore Primary

The petition for a zebra crossing outside Largymore Primary School has already been sent out for parents and local residents to sign, this week.

Five years ago, the principal Gillian Dunlop failed in her bid to have a crossing installed along the Hillhall Road after one of its pupils was knocked down.

“Hillhall Road is very busy and has become one of the main thoroughfares from Lisburn to Belfast,” said Ms Dunlop. “When we tried before to get a crossing we were told there were not enough children using the road.

“There are no slow down ramps on the road yet there is our school and a new Resource Centre. Therefore there are up to 200 children crossing the road every day from early morning to 10pm. It is a disaster waiting to happen

“The number of children crossing the roads at different times of the day is shocking.

“Pond Park Primary got a zebra crossing for their school. We really need one too.

“Our school in September will have 180 pupils and 200 by the following year. At the time we had looked for a crossing we had only 104 pupils but our numbers are steadily increasing.

“The police have told us that the amount of pedestrians who have been knocked down on our roads has also increased.”

This week the school children also took part in a road safety event. They urged motorists to slow down to 20mph as part of the Brake charity’s Giant Walk.

Ms Dunlop said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in Brake’s Giant Walk. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our kids to make their voices heard and promote road safety to children, parents and local drivers.

“Our pupils marched and shouted out loud about the importance of drivers slowing down in the Hillhall community, so families can enjoy a healthy, fun, active lifestyle without being endangered.

“Our school is on one of the busiest routes in and out of Lisburn, particularly at rush hour when the pupils are travelling to school.

“We are highlighting the need for motorists to slow down to 20mph, to be vigilant when the lollipop lady and the kids are crossing. We have heard some terrible tragedies involving children on the roads in NI this year.”

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