School crossing installed at last (From Barry And District News)

School crossing installed at last

A DETERMINED Barry mum's crusade to get a pelican crossing on a treacherous stretch of road near her children's school has finally paid off.

Debbie Hayes of Blackberry Drive has bombarded the Vale of Glamorgan Council and her local ward representatives for more than three years for a safe way to tackle Severn Avenue.

The mum-of-three said: "There is a school on Severn Avenue which people do not seem to be aware of. My daughters have all attended All Saints Church in Wales and before the crossing was put in they had to chance the main road.

"I would not let them walk to school on their own because the road is so busy and drivers speed.

"There was a survey conducted one morning on a school day. It showed 11 cars between 7.30 and 8.30am were going faster than 41mph.

"There have been several accidents on the road over the years which also caused concern but I think the lights will slow people down."

The crossing cost a total of £30,000 with the signs warning people of the Severn Avenue School.

Road Safety Officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council Mike Dacey said: "We are pleased to get this funding to put the crossing up.

"When the new term starts we will be teaching children how to cross the road safely at the lights. It is important for children to make sure the vehicles have stopped even if the green man is lit.

"Our work is made easier when residents inform us where the black spots are for traffic problems. Without them we would not find out the worst affected areas."

Vale of Glamorgan Councillors, Tony Hampton and Janice Charles were vocal supporters of the crossing. Improvements to other Barry roads are being sought for future projects.

Grants already secured are for Cadoxton school's 20 mile an hour speed limit and the pelican crossing for Bryn Hafren School.