Labour in Leeds

News that a new pedestrian crossing will soon be helping pupils at a local primary school to reach their destination more safely has been met with relief by local Councillors. 

The recent opening of Mill Field Primary School on Potternewton Mount has led to a dramatic increase in the number of young pedestrians in the area. Many of the children walk from the Beckhill and Miles Hill areas, crossing Potternewton Lane to reach the school, and Councillor Jane Dowson has long been concerned about the lack of a safe crossing area.  

Work to install the new crossing is likely to take place in April and May this year, after Education Leeds and the Highways Department agreed the plans. Councillor Dowson and her ward colleagues, Councillors Mohammed Rafique and Sharon Hamilton, are desperate to see the crossing installed and feel that this could have been achieved long ago. 

Councillor Jane Dowson (Chapel Allerton) said: “My colleagues and I are pleased that this work is finally going ahead. Since Mill Field Primary School opened, large numbers of children have been walking to and from the school from the Beckhill and Miles Hill areas. It is great that these kids are able to walk to school, but Potternewton Lane is a very busy road and we need to be sure that they can cross safely. It is a rat run in the mornings at the same time the children need to cross to get to school.  

I’m stunned that Highways officers and Education Leeds didn’t see the need for a safe crossing area months ago. It is extremely disappointing that they haven’t worked together to plan and install this crossing prior to the school opening. 

I hope they have learned an important lesson and make forward planning regarding childrens journeys to and from part of their consultations from now on.  I can’t help but feel that their lack of action may have put these children at unnecessary risk. It is only down to the dogged determination and sheer hard work of school governors, with our support, that the crossing is being provided. We are constantly looking to improve the safety of all our residents and I am sure that this crossing, when we eventually get it, will be of great benefit to the community.