In the heart of Turnditch, a quaint village situated along a bustling rural main road, lies a pressing safety concern that has troubled us for over three years. Our small community faces daily challenges, especially parents and children from the local school, as they navigate the dangerous task of crossing this busy road. Despite the urgency and persistence of our appeals, our voices have yet to yield the change desperately needed.

This is not just a school issue—it affects the whole community. Residents regularly cross the road to attend services at All Saints’ Church, which is also used by schoolchildren as part of their activities. The village hall hosts a toddler group and a wide range of classes, meaning families with young children are frequently exposed to this danger.

At the crux of our issue is the absence of a level crossing, a necessity that the council has repeatedly sidelined citing financial constraints. While budget deficits are realities many councils face, the value of human life—particularly that of our vulnerable children—is immeasurable. The current infrastructure not only puts our children's safety at risk but also compromises the well-being of all local residents who deserve safe passage across their village.

Compounding this issue is the ongoing difficulty in recruiting a school crossing patrol (lollipop person) due to our rural location. Our most recent patrol—a parent who stepped up out of sheer necessity—has had to leave the role due to work commitments. This has once again left the position vacant, with no clear solution in place, increasing concern among parents and the wider school community.

This is more than just a request for infrastructure; it is a plea for the safety of our community's future. The installation of a pedestrian crossing is not simply a convenience—it is a critical intervention that can prevent accidents and provide peace of mind for families and residents alike. By prioritising safety over financial savings, the council can demonstrate a genuine commitment to the welfare of its people.

Simple adjustments to budget allocations or the pursuit of alternative funding solutions could help address this urgent issue. Grants aimed at improving rural safety, alongside community fundraising initiatives, are viable options that should be actively explored. Our children’s lives should never be weighed against budgetary line items.

We urge Derbyshire County Council to reconsider their stance and take decisive action to ensure that our vibrant community is not placed at continued risk due to inaction or financial limitations. 

We are not asking for a luxury—we are asking for a basic safety measure that could prevent serious injury or worse.

Join us in advocating for the installation of a pedestrian crossing in Turnditch. Sign this petition to help make our village safer for everyone—especially our children, who deserve nothing less than safe and secure routes to their education. Together, we can compel meaningful change and ensure safety is prioritised in our community.