“Wacky Races”: Council remain silent on ‘dangerous’ primary school crossing

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A councillor has voiced his frustration over the council’s “unacceptable inaction” over a “dangerous crossing” outside Blackwood Primary School.

Renewed calls for the return of a school crossing came in February after a mother told Caerphilly Observer that a child was nearly hit by a car.

There had previously been a lollipop person outside of the school, but since they retired in January 2022, Caerphilly County Borough Council has not renewed the service.

Since the incident, a petition has been signed by more than 400 people, calling on the council to reassess the need for a patrol. When asked by Caerphilly Observer about these concerns, the council has not responded on several occasions.

Councillor Kevin Etheridge, who represents the Blackwood ward as an independent, has been campaigning alongside parents and the school for the last two years.

He said: “I will be taking the petition to full council in April, and demanding a re-evaluation of the site.

“Children’s safety has to be paramount. It’s like Wacky Races up there to be honest. There are cars parked on double yellows and zig-zags at school times. We need to be doing more.”

Cllr Etheridge added plans are in motion to stage a protest outside of the school if things “don’t change soon”.

Blackwood Primary School issued a statement following the last “close call”, expressing frustration at the council over the lack of a lollipop school crossing patrol.

Cllr Etheridge continued: “I’ve got the support of everyone including the school and parents. If direct action is the only way to get our message across, then that’s what we’ll do.

“I find it completely unacceptable that the council has decided to not comment on this matter despite all the questions. This issue is not going to go away.”