For 35 years Frances has been the linchpin of the pupils’ safe journey across to school

8 March 2023

FOR the past 35 years Frances Thornton has helped children cross the busy Belfast Road outside The High School in Ballynahinch.

However, St Patrick’s Day will mark the end of an era when Frances retires, leaving the school authorities with something of a problem.

The Education Authority has refused to let the school advertise for a replacement and so the school needs to have a pedestrian crossing put in place as a matter of urgency.

School principal Paul Marks said Frances has been integral to school life for 35 years.

“Frances’ role every day has been to ensure the safety of each child crossing the road to school today and that of their siblings, parents and grandparents before them,” he remarked.

“After many years on patrol, chatting to families and looking after the children in her big bright coat, she is a renowned character in our town. Everyone knows Frances and she knows everyone.

“She has many memories of our pupils; the quiet ones, the dilly dawdling ones, the follow the rules exactly ones and the ones that just love the craic! Overall, however, she will remember and dearly miss just knowing every child and all their wee ways.”

Mr Marks continued: “Frances has loved her time on patrol, but it has not passed without a degree of difficulty at times.

“There are drivers who exceed the 30mph limit. There are drivers who cut up the inside of the patrol to get past. There are drivers who drive through the patrol before the pupils are safely across to other side.

“Though nothing will compare to Frances, a pedestrian crossing for our school is now vital.

“We, as a whole school community, call upon the Department of Infrastructure to expedite a pedestrian crossing upon Mrs Thornton’s retirement.

Safety

“She has been the linchpin of the pupils’ safe journey across to school. It is without question that we need to ensure continued safety for our pupils crossing the road today and in the generations to come.”

He added: “For 35 years at 2.50pm each day, Frances has arrived at the crossing. We will miss the sound of a steady stream of beep, the cars passing by our school giving a toot.

So, if you’re driving past on March 16, make sure you give an extra toot-toot to her.”

Local councillor Callum Bowsie, who is a former pupil at the school, paid tribute to Frances and also gave his backing for a pedestrian crossing to be provided.

He said: “Frances has done a terrific job in helping pupils cross this busy road safely. Frances was always a friendly face during my time at the school. She was there to greet you in the morning, keep you in line during lunch and see you off home. She is an icon, not just in the school, but in Ballynahinch. I want to thank her for her 35 years of devoted service to the school.

“Following discussions with the school’s management last month, I asked the Department of Infrastructure to install a pedestrian crossing outside the school as a matter of urgency.

“I have been informed a design for such a proposed crossing has been completed and it is on DfI’s priority list to be completed. However, the Department is not in a position to carry out this work as currently it does not have a minor works contractor for this contract.

“I’m told it will be the summer time at the earliest before a new contractor will be appointed so at present minor works schemes cannot be done until a contract has been awarded.”

Cllr Bowsie added: “It concerns me greatly that this busy road outside a school may be left without a crossing patrol and or lighted crossing in a fortnight’s time.

“As a former pupil at this school, I can testify to how dangerous this road is. I am asking DfI officials to do all they can to have a pedestrian crossing installed here as soon as possible.

“As well as a school, with two busy bus stops on either side of the road and Beedham’s Lane being a popular access route, there is a lot of merit for a crossing here.”

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