Call for pedestrian crossing at school

Call for pedestrian crossing at school

14 January 2015

ROADS officials have been asked to provide a pedestrian crossing outside one of Downpatrick’s busiest schools.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and Councillor Colin McGrath met roads officials last Friday outside St. Mary’s High School at the Ardglass Road.

The local politicians are seeking both a pedestrian crossing and new signs to warn drivers they are approaching the secondary school.

Miss Ritchie said the principal and staff at St. Mary’s have at all times taken all possible steps to ensure the safety of their students when crossing the busy Ardglass Road/John Street junction directly opposite the school.

“It is now time for the Roads Service to provide additional crossing assistance in the form of a pedestrian crossing and increased signage,” said the MP.

“In the past, the Roads Service looked at this particular problem in the context of the Downpatrick traffic management plan and I hope measures are taken to enhance pedestrian safety at this part of the town.”

Miss Ritchie made it clear during last Friday’s meeting that the issue of student safety should be treated separately from Downpatrick’s traffic management plan and prioritised.

She added: “In response to this call and in light of information shared with officials, the Roads Service has undertaken to review the current status of the pedestrian crossing project for the Ardglass Road.

“In addition, roads officials will also look at the provision of additional signage at John Street to alert drivers to the presence of a school crossing patrol person.”

Councillor McGrath described student safety as paramount and was pleased the local MP had an opportunity to see first-hand the dangers at this area.

“Miss Ritchie also had an opportunity to view the work undertaken by St. Mary’s staff to deal with the problem and to hear what the Roads Service must do to ensure the continued safety of the pupils of the school,” he said.

Councillor McGrath added: “I look forward to some easement of the problems and swift action by the Roads Service.”