This Friday marks the end of an era for St Peter's. Mr. Pepper, our school crossing patrol officer, will hang up his lollipop for the very last time after serving our community for 17 years. Mr. Pepper has not only safely guided thousands of children and families safely across the street each school day, but he has also become a key figure in our community always greeting everyone with a friendly smile and a kind word.

However, just yesterday, we received news that has left us deeply worried. Via, the agency responsible for managing our highways on behalf of the Council, has decided not to replace Mr. Pepper after his departure. This decision has serious implications for the safety of our children.

Ashworth Avenue is one of the busiest streets during school drop-off and pick-up times. It is a road fraught with double-parked cars, hurried drivers, double decker buses and traffic that poses significant hazards without the skilled guidance of a crossing patrol officer. Families in our community are rightfully anxious at the thought of their children arriving safely at school without the security that Mr. Pepper has provided for nearly two decades.

It is critical that the Via revisits this decision. By deciding not to replace Mr. Pepper, they are placing hundreds of young lives at risk. The cost of maintaining a crossing patrol officer is a small price to pay when it comes to safeguarding our children’s lives. Roads like Ashworth Avenue need vigilant oversight to prevent accidents and ensure that our children can reach school safely.

We urge Via to reconsider their decision and to allocate resources to hire a replacement for Mr. Pepper immediately. Our community depends on their support to maintain a safe and secure environment for our children.

We implore you to sign this petition and join us in demanding a new school crossing patrol officer for St Peter's. Protecting our children’s safety should be an unwavering priority.