Safety first as crossing installed

Apr 25 2008 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

A PUFFIN crossing costing £35,000 has been unveiled at Helsby Hillside Primary School.

It is hoped the new crossing in Chester Road will make it safer for pupils to travel to and from the Bates Lane school.

Headteacher Rob Seabrook said: “The children were quick to recognise the benefits of the new puffin crossing. They know they have a safe place to cross the A56 on their way to and from school.

“They also appreciate that the puffin crossing provides them with a safe route all day, everyday.”

Children from the Bates Lane school officially opened the crossing, which has sensors that enable pedestrians to have a longer period crossing the road if necessary, and can stop the lights from changing if someone has already found a gap in traffic.

School travel team manager Janet Mills said: “Chester Road is a busy road to cross and with the school crossing patrol retiring it was important to ensure that the children had a safer place to cross.

“The aim of the crossing is two-fold – to increase the safety of pedestrians and to slow the speed of traffic.”

The crossing was funded by Cheshire County Council.