I am concerned about the safety of Children crossing the road on Dragon Lane between Newbold Verdon Primary School and the entrance point to the park opposite where many children walk to school or return from playing out in the park.

I would like to see change to improve safety for those crossing either through the installation of a zebra crossing, introduction of parking restrictions (double yellow or additional zig zags to improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers) or the re-introduction of a lollipop person. 

Having recently transferred two children to the local village Primary School and being able to walk my children to School on a route that takes us through the park with many other parents/carers and Children alike, I have felt that the natural crossing point in front of the school presents a high risk to pedestrians. During School drop off and pick up hours I have noticed cars parking on the opposite side of the road to the School to drop of children presenting a hazard particularly with children crossing between cars and also pedestrians having to contend with the associated traffic switching to the opposite lane for overtaking the parked vehicles.

I have contacted the Councillors representing Newbold Verdon and Desford and they have been very responsive and positive as this has been an issue they have tried to raise with the County Council Highways Department - apparently the Highways Department position is that since no child had been hit or killed it was not seen as a priority. Apparently they are not even considering a new lollypop person either. 

I understand budgets are tight at the moment, but I feel strongly that this crossing point poses a high risk due to both high use and location of being by the exit of a park used by many walking to school during rush hour. Children are often heading out or returning from play in the park outside of school hours associated to pickup and drop off. 

Clearly defined crossing points should improve the Dragon Lane for road users. For this reason I feel a zebra crossing would address the issue of cars parking opposite the school as it would help those crossing outside of school hours too but of course I would welcome any other improvement.