Upton zebra crossing plan hit by objections

Dec 22 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

OBJECTIONS continued to mire contentious plans for a crossing near a suburban high school almost a year after they were first put forward.

The debate has centred on proposals to provide the crossing for youngsters leaving Upton by Chester High via the County Officers Sports Club entrance on Plas Newton Lane.

The need for a crossing has been identified by the school's travel plan, according to a report.

There were six objections to a proposed zebra adjacent to the school when a crossing was first raised in January this year.

Backing the proposal, the high school points out more than 800 students use the Plas Newton Lane entrance.

Between 160 and 180 pupils cross the road each morning and afternoon.

City and county councillors were told the location was considered to be most appropriate as it was close to the point where teenagers actually cross Plas Newton Lane.

They rejected the plans, however, and asked for an alternative location between The Beeches and Windermere Avenue to be investigated.

At a later stage, councillors decided there should be a full consultation on a location of the crossing.

Following a public meeting, plans for a zebra between The Beeches and the entrance to the high school emerged.

These were said to deal with most of the concerns voiced by local residents at the public meeting.

The location for the crossing was advertised and 23 letters, one e mail and a statement signed by 18 occupiers poured in.

Just two supported the scheme.

City and county councillors were recommended to agree the zebra should go ahead in a detailed five page report on issues which have been raised.

Cllr Walmsley describes the latest location as “a big step forward” and pointed out that no member of the public had ever said there should not be a crossing.

“The problem has been the location,” he accepted.

“People are still not happy with the location which is being proposed,” said County Cllr Hale.

Arguing the committee should be looking for the safest route to allow children to leave the high school safely, County Cllr Stephen Mosley (Con, Overleigh) said “I would rather trust the officers and the high school.”

County Cllr Hale insisted, however: “Residents see what is happening on a daily basis and they are in the best position to judge.”

Cllr Hale's preferred location between The Beeches and Windermere Avenue was defeated after a 7-7 vote was resolved by committee chairman City Cllr Brian Crowe (Con, Mollington) using his casting vote.

The location between The Beeches and the entrance to the high school was then approved on an 8-2 vote with three abstentions after Cllr Hale had suggested the position should be monitored for 12 months and any problem should be reported to the new Cheshire West and Chester Council.