Following complaints from parents, Westbury Town Council and Matravers School has acknowledged the problems surrounding the safety of the school run, but say options are limited.
A number of parents have continued to express concerns over the walk to and from school, warning of an accident waiting to happen and have called for urgent action.
Matravers School said, “Matravers School takes the safety of our students on the way to and from school incredibly seriously. Our staff are on duty at the start and end of the day along Springfield Road.
“We have previously met with a representative from Westbury Town Council to express our concerns over the Springfield Road entrance and discuss options and alternatives to help the situation.
“We recognise that this is a complex issue which would involve the support and cooperation of the Highways Planning and Development committee alongside wider Wiltshire Council support. As always, we would welcome the chance to develop our proposals further.”
Councillor Ian Cunningham said, “Westbury Town Council is aware of the problem and takes all issues regarding safety very seriously. People are concerned and rightfully so, I am fully in favour of trying to improve the safety of the school run, but I’m not sure what we can do.
“Westbury does have a problem with poor air quality, so we continue to encourage people to leave the car at home and walk or cycle to school and work. But for a lot of people, using the car is necessary because they drop the children off at school and then drive to work.
“Perhaps if parents dropped children off in a safe place away from the schools it would be less busy, but then if parents don’t feel the short walk from the car to the school is safe, this won’t be an option.
“I agree that West End can be very dangerous, anything but dead slow is too fast, but it’s the only way through the town.
“For me, personally, the best answer is having a bypass but that is highly unlikely as Wiltshire Council has pretty much ruled that option out.
“We welcome any suggestions from the public on how we can improve the safety of the school run and encourage people to get in touch.”
