Devon Meadows Primary School teacher Phil Wilmoth is forced to walk students, such as Joshua, Amy and Teonii, safely across busy Cross Road as there is no school crossing. By Alison Noonan
DEVON Meadows Primary School is a stone’s throw away from a new school crossing.
However it can prove very difficult to paint visible white lines on gravel.
Parents and teachers are pushing for Casey Council to seal the section of Cross Road adjacent to the school in order to construct a school crossing.
Principal Peter Hicks claimed the heavily used road met council’s criteria for a crossing, but said the road would have to be sealed first.
“There is a bike and walking track on the other side of the road and we encourage kids to use that, but there is no crossing to get them safely over to the school.
“Our enrolments have grown and the majority of parents drive to school so there is a heap of traffic on the road, particularly in the afternoon,” he said.
Mr Hicks said several parents had approached him about the need for a crossing and circulated a petition to present to council.
“I have been walking the kids across the road for about 18 months but we really need a crossing. I walk about 50 kids every day.
“We are entitled to the crossing but have no road to install it. It’s a catch 22 situation.
“We want to do this now as a proactive measure before any accidents occur,” he said.
Balla Balla Ward councillor Colin Butler requested council investigate the possibility of sealing the road at last week’s council meeting, presenting a 100 plus signature petition to councillors.
“I am asking that a 50 metre section of Cross Road be sealed to enable the construction of a school crossing.
“Council realises the need to put the crossing there so we need to make sure we seal this particular section,” he said.
Casey manager traffic Paul Hamilton said council officers would report back to council on the issue before November.
