As part of ‘Walk to School Week’ local Liberal Democrat councillors joined pupils of St. Mary’s Junior School in support of their campaign for a safe walk to school.

In September last year Haringey Council confirmed that the dangerous and busy crossing of the High Street outside the school needed a crossing patrol officer to ensure the safety of children. Since then, despite several incidents involving children crossing the street there has been no progress in appointing a crossing patrol officer.

Liberal Democrats are encouraging local residents to apply for this important role and have also urged Haringey Council to do more to fill vacant positions.

Information revealed by the Liberal Democrats shows that this is not an isolated case. Of the 35 school crossing patrol sites in Haringey less than half are staffed.

Cllr Robert Gorrie, Hornsey councillor and Liberal Democrat leader, comments:

“Eight months have passed since Haringey Council confirmed the crossing needed a crossing patrol officer. In that time there have been continued to be incidents involving children crossing the street. The safety of children on the road is an obvious worry for parents. For Haringey Council to simply hang a banner in front of the school asking for applicants is just not good enough.

“I would ask local residents to consider applying for this vital community role and request that the Council do more to identify and support applicants.”

Cllr Gail Engert, Liberal Democrat Children, Schools and Families Spokesperson added:

“A lack of crossing patrol officers is a borough-wide problem. With less than half of the identified crossings staffed, the Council is clearly not doing enough and potentially putting our children’s safety at risk.”