Concerns over the future of a school’s crossing patrol have been put at bay as a councillor has assured that it will remain in place and a replacement attendant will be sought.
County councillor for Dersingham Stuart Dark has reassured residents that former lollipop lady Carol Smith, who retired just before the school Easter holidays, will be replaced.
This comes as apetition was set up by Gaywood county councillor Rob Colwell, which gained almost 250 signatures in a bid to save the crossing patrol from being lost.
However, when Cllr Dark, a retired police officer, heard about Carol’s retirement, he said he spoke with relevant officers and responsible cabinet members at Norfolk County Council to put together a plan for what would happen next.
Cllr Dark explained that Norfolk County Council has to start a review about the need for a school crossing patrol - which is in place at Dersingham Primary School.
Because of issues raised by Cllr Dark about the “exceptional risk” at the Dodd’s Hill junction, it was confirmed that the patrol will continue and a replacement crossing attendant will be sought.
Cllr Dark said: “As Dersingham’s elected councillor I have been working diligently and sensibly with the county council, school lead and parish council chair to achieve these prompt positive outcomes over several days.
“Whilst enforced ‘change’, in this case very much deserved retirement, can create uncertainty and the need to review it also gives an opportunity to make better.
“I hope residents, particularly those with children at the school, who have seen rather alarmist public comments and ‘call to arms’ from certain individuals in the last couple of days, some who fully well knew all the established norms and safeguards of speaking with the relevant elected member or key local partners involved first to increase their understanding of the history or activity already underway, agree with the steps taken on their behalf and are now reassured.”
The former leader of West Norfolk Council also pointed out that he has led a number of road safety improvements, including the installation of a pavement leading up to the school on Admiral Drive in 2022. This cost £4,000 which was paid for from his Local Member Fund.
Keir Hughes, safeguarding link governor at Dersingham Primary and Nursery School, said: “On behalf of the school and its governing body I am pleased with the excellent and prompt response I have received from Mr Dark having raised our concerns with him over the Easter weekend.
“He has engaged with the other relevant councillors and senior officers of Norfolk County Council in haste, with sensible and due regard to the safety of our local children.
“I am impressed and reassured to know that the physical road safety of our children, and indeed other citizens, has been of such concern that the elevation of the matters has been met with such a constructive and expedited response.
“When the measures are put in place in both the short and longer terms the safety of children from the road risks at the locations in question should be very considerably reduced."
Coral Shepherd, chair Of Dersingham Parish Council, said: “The parish council fought hard in 2016 to retain this service which is vital at this dangerous junction.
“I would like to thank county councillor Stuart Dark for his hard work to keep our children safe.
“We appreciate his efforts over the last few months and are grateful for confirmation that the crossing patrol officer will be replaced and that additional signage will be installed.
“The crossing patrol officer is one of the most important people in Dersingham.”