CESSNOCK City Council will explore options to improve pedestrian safety on the Tomalpin Street side of Kearsley Public School.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A motion, which received unanimous support from councillors, was tabled by Independent councillor Ian Olsen last Wednesday.
Cr Olsen said he was approached by a resident who held concerns for the safety of school children trying to cross the road.
"It's totally unacceptable to expect school age [students] to have to risk injury just getting out of school," he said.
"There is no footpath to walk on and the current signs are almost on the fence.
"I'm hoping we get a good design and funding to upgrade the area for all the children's safety. As a council we have been working to improve safety around other schools and this should be high on the agenda for upgrading."
Council resolved the general manager work with the school community to investigate and develop cost effective options for a safe drop off/pick up area adjacent to the school, including options for the Tomalpin Street entrance.
The motion will also involve the general manager working with the school principal in relation to potential changes to internal pedestrian amenity, which may assist in providing a cost effective option for a safe drop off/pick up area.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said council was looking forward to working with Kearsley Public to address pedestrian safety around the school.
"We know this is a very busy area for both pedestrians and traffic," Cr Pynsent said.
"Council will work with the school community to come up with some options for a safe drop off and pick up area adjacent to the school.
"Once investigations have been carried out a report will come back to Council.
"This will provide Council with the opportunity to consider the options available to improve the safety of students, parents and teachers."