PARKING RESTRICTIONS NEEDED OUTSIDE BROOKLANDS SCHOOL, SKIPTON!

Brooklands School is a specialist provision for children with disabilities and is located at the far end of Burnside Avenue (a dead end road) in Skipton. 

My son attends Brooklands School.

Earlier this year just after his 6th birthday, he was diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. He has literally spent the last 9 months fighting for his life.

In September, he was able to return to school and I'm angered and frustrated that he is forced to risk his safety every day because of unsafe, obstructive parking which forces pedestrians into the road who are simply trying to get in and out of school. 

Brooklands School has many medically complex children, some of whom have also fought to be here. A large number of the pupils use wheelchairs or adaptive pushchairs which are currently being forced into traffic due to the inconsiderate blocking of the footpath into the school, as well as the footpath over the railway bridge. 

If an emergency vehicle needed access, it would be impossible. This could literally be the difference between life and death for medically vulnerable children.

It is unacceptable to risk the wellbeing of these children who just want to attend school.

Much to the frustration of anyone who uses the road, the whole of Burnside Avenue is often difficult to navigate due to so many people choosing to park without consideration of larger vehicles (specialist transport collecting children in wheelchair accessible vehicles or emergency services) that need to get by. 

It impacts everyone and is completely unsafe.

Unfortunately, adding to the already limited parking, there is one resident who has spent the last several years intentionally blocking a large space directly outside of the school with an array of redundant vehicles. 

This vital area is the ONLY way to access the school on foot and would also provide much needed space for vehicles to move aside to allow a continuous flow of traffic during peak times easing the congestion for the entire road. 

A person has chosen to obstruct safe passage to the school by strategically parking half a dozen vehicles, blocking the footpath into the school with a trailer all while intentionally keeping his driveway clear (and unused).

For the avoidance of doubt, this resident has been approached several times over the last few years by the school, parents and a local councillor but unfortunately, has been uncooperative. 

An old Google Maps image shows that this space was completely clear at one point and now it is being used as vehicle storage to the detriment of the Brooklands children, staff and parents.

Therefore, I am calling on North Yorkshire Council to urgently implement parking restrictions (zigzags/double yellows or whatever is appropriate) along the approaches to Brooklands School and immediately outside in the 'turning circle' area.

These restrictions are essential to ensure clear sightlines and prevent hazardous parking, allowing all pedestrians safe passage.

Furthermore, increased parking enforcement measures would ensure compliance and enhance safety around the school premises and less congestion in the top half of Burnside Avenue.

I would urge parents of Brooklands children to consider how and where they park and if possible, utilise the Walking Bus to help alleviate the situation. 

Equally, I would welcome suggestions from the local community that I can share with North Yorkshire Council. 

Thank you.