Great Alne School issues urgent call for crossing warden

Great Alne School is urgently trying to recruit a new school crossing warden amid fears that there could be a fatality following a dramatic deterioration in road safety.

Since the school’s two previous crossing wardens both retired in the summer concerns have been raised about parents and pupils crossing the road in inappropriate places, putting their lives at risk.

The school crossing warden service is organised by Warwickshire County Council, with wardens also holding the keys for turning on a flashing speed warning sign on the Alcester approach to the village.

Since September that too has not been operated, and the school says motorists often speed dangerously through the village.

School office manager Vanessa Clarke said: “Ourselves and Great Alne Parish Council are very concerned about parents crossing the road outside of the designated crossing to the school, we have sent out numerous warnings about it.

“The speed of cars coming through the village too is shocking, a lot don’t slow down at all. There’s nothing to warn them to slow down and there will be some that are unfamiliar with the village and not aware that there is a school coming up.

“There was an incident the other day when a parent with their child were almost hit and they were even crossing in the correct place.

“I believe the police have been contacted about the situation and the school would welcome the addition of new traffic calming measures in the village.

“We really need a new crossing warden to improve safety, the work does not require you to be a specific age or gender and it’s a really nice job. Generally in Great Alne crossing wardens are very well respected by motorists and those crossing the road.”

Mrs Clarke said that some parents disagreed about the safest point at which to cross the road to the school, but said a number of surveys conducted by the county council’s crossing patrol department had deemed the designated crossing point as the safest place.

She said the school had a history of long-serving well-respected crossing wardens, with a former warden Di Wright even receiving an OBE in recognition of her efforts.

If you are interested in becoming a school crossing warden in Great Alne call Road Safety Warwickshire on 01926 412661 to find out more about the paid position.