Parent launches crossing campaign

PARENT Jacqueline Mackie has launched a campaign for a pelican crossing after two pupils suffered broken bones and head injuries in two road accidents within a week.

Mrs Mackie, 46, of Chiltern Avenue, Castlefield, walks four miles a day to take her daughter Francesca, nine, to Lansdowne Middle School, Cressex Road, and feels children should have a pedestrian crossing.

A ten-year-old boy, from Lansdowne Middle School, was injured in an accident on Cressex Road as he walked to school on Wednesday morning. He was taken to Wycombe Hospital with a broken leg and head injuries.

He had been in collision with a Peugeout 106 driven by Jemma Arnold, of Herbert Road, High Wycombe. Police say no charges will be made against the driver and there is no suggestion that speed was a factor in either accident.

An 11-year-old boy, also from Lansdowne School, was taken to Wycombe Hospital with a broken pelvis, broken leg, head and shoulder injuries after a collision with a car, at the junction of Cressex Road and Coronation Road on March 4.

Mrs Mackie said: "Children going to school are in danger and we need a pedestrian crossing to make it easier for them to cross the road."

Every child at Lansdowne School has been handed a leaflet about road safety following the accidents and they have also been urged to always use the lollipop lady who stands outside the school.

Jo Williams, spokesman for Buckinghamshire County Council, said: "We're sorry to hear about the two accidents. There is a lollipop lady who operates outside the school and we would encourage schoolchildren to use this facility at all times.

"There's a proposal to remodel that junction for the year 2002 or 2003 and within these plans there could be a pedestrian crossing."

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