Every day, as a member of the community of Westwood Industrial Estate, I worry as I see students from our SEN college and the nearby secondary school navigate the busy streets without a safe way to cross. This area, which has transformed from its industrial roots into a lively hub filled with small businesses in the old warehouses, sees constant traffic—not just from cars and delivery trucks, but also from the vibrant community that walks these streets.

Our SEN college, catering to special educational needs students, stands at the heart of this transformation. The students, full of potential and enthusiasm for their future, deserve to move between the college and the community safely. Currently, the absence of a designated pedestrian crossing poses a serious risk. Every day, students, staff, and locals must dodge cars, hoping the drivers see them in time. This is a daily worry for many of us who fear that it's only a matter of time before someone gets injured.

An official crossing would ensure that all members of the community can move safely and freely. It would provide peace of mind for the students, their families, and educators, knowing that there's a dedicated space for safe passage. This isn’t just a logistical improvement for the area; it's a necessity for safety—a clearly defined crossing would communicate to drivers that pedestrians have a right to cross safely.

Furthermore, statistics highlight that areas with properly marked crossings see significantly fewer accidents involving pedestrians.

We urge the local council and transport authorities to take immediate action to install a pedestrian crossing for our college and the adjacent secondary school. This simple act can prevent future accidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone who lives, works, and learns here.

Please join us in making our community a safer place by signing this petition to advocate for the installation of a pedestrian crossing. Your support is crucial in driving this change.

Sign now to help us protect our students and community!