Statement by Jim Allister MLA:
“In November I was approached by concerned parents of children attending Buick Primary School following the retirement of the lollipop lady who safely assisted pupils crossing the busy road to and from school.
“Along with Cllr Timothy Gaston I raised this pressing safety issue with the Education Authority and I am astounded by their dismissive response to obtaining a replacement – simply saying that there will be no replacement as there is a toucan crossing! Through Assembly questions I have ascertained that on an average school day 12500 vehicles pass the school, with almost 2000 at school start and finish times on a narrow main street. These are high and endangering figures, and only serve to highlight the necessity of a crossing patrol.
“I am pressing the Education Authority again on this urgent situation. Unfortunately, I have had experience of their predecessor NEELB failing to adequately act that led to the loss of a young life and I do not wish to see history repeated.”
Note to Editor
Jim Allister MLA’s response to the Education Authority:
Education Authority
21st December 2016
Dear Ms Long,
re: School Crossing Patrol at Buick Primary School
I refer to your reply of 14th inst, which I find most unsatisfactory.
Having had the experience of your predecessor body, NEELB, failing to take adequate action in response to a request for reasonable provision, resulting in the death of a child in Cloughmills, I am unimpressed by the dismissive approach to the road safety need for a crossing patrol at the Buick. I trust this letter will never have to feature in any review of the adequacy of the Authority’s response in the event of harm coming to a child because of removal of the patrol.
I enclose recent information from an Assembly Answer which shows 12500 vehicles pass this school every day, with almost 2000 at school start and finish times. For a village with a narrow main street these are high and endangering figures.
I, therefore, implore you to revisit this scheme and put safety first.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Allister MLA