“KILLYLEAGH Integrated Primary School should have a school crossing patrol (SCP) officer, like other schools with similar road safety hazards do.”
Those are the words of Rowallane councillor Callum Bowsie, who has confirmed that the Education Authority (EA) has agreed to carry out a reassessment of the need for such an officer outside the village school.
In a statement, the DUP representative said that Killyleagh IPS is calling for the reinstatement of the role, which was not retained after the 2023 retirement of lollipop lady Hilary Mackenzie after 40 years’ service, outside its Shrigley Road home.
“Killyleagh IPS not only sits on a busy road, but on a bend and at a major T-junction for between three villages,” he continued.
“There is no footpath on either the Killyleagh or Shrigley side of the school, meaning 100 per cent of pedestrians coming out of the school have to immediately cross the road to access the footpath on the opposite side, in order to walk to their cars or into either Killyleagh or Shrigley.
“When the lollipop lady retired from Killyleagh IPS after 40 years, she was not replaced.
“It is ridiculous that the EA paid for an SCP every day for four decades, but the moment the post became vacant, the school no longer met the criteria for a SCP.
“The EA says that a pupil’s safe travel to school is the obligation of parents.
“However, the frustration parents express to me is that other schools have SCPs while Killyleagh doesn’t.”
Cllr Bowsie stressed that “Killyleagh IPS should have a school crossing patrol officer, like other schools with similar road safety hazards do”.
“Having viewed the assessment scores for other local schools, it is puzzling how this primary school with kids as young as four doesn’t meet the criteria, yet there are nearby secondary schools with both signalised crossings and patrol officers situated on roads much safer than this one,” he stated.
“It is very unfair, and I have highlighted this disparity to the EA.
“In cooperation with the board of governors, I have asked for a reassessment of the location to be carried out during this school term, in order for an SCP to be reinstated as soon as possible.
“I have also been in contact with the Department for Infrastructure to request an assessment for a pedestrian crossing here as well; however, DfI Roads has rejected this request.”
