Head's new call for crossing on 'dangerous' road

Mrs Blanchard says the school is close to three junctions with cars constantly turning

A primary school head teacher has repeated her call for a pedestrian crossing on a road where two of her pupils were hit by cars.

Michelle Blanchard, of Beckfoot Allerton Academy, told a meeting of councillors in Bradford that the crossroads used by many children to get to and from school was "so dangerous".

A petition calling for a pedestrian crossing on Allerton Road was organised by pupils and presented to Bradford Council last month by Mrs Blanchard.

The 260-name petition has been sent to a council committee which will decide whether to add a crossing to the list of planned road schemes in the area.

Councillors were told that two pupils had been hit by cars in the past two years, and there had been several other near misses.

"Pupils still talk about these incidents and the near misses and parents plead with me to get a better crossing," said Mrs Blanchard.

"We try to encourage our year five and six pupils to walk to school, but a lot of families are reluctant to do this because Allerton Road is so dangerous to cross.

"We are a school next to three junctions and cars are constantly turning.

"Cars often mount the pavement and vehicles are parked illegally."

After her comments, councillors agreed to send the petition to the Bradford West Area Committee.

The cost of installing a crossing would be about £60,000, according to the council's highways team.

Last week, Mrs Blanchard told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that although the school had recently found a replacement for its lollipop lady, who left in 2023, a crossing was still desperately needed.

"I know everyone is fighting for money, but we need something – it is worrying for families," she said.

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