South Tyneside parents welcome return of longstanding lollipop man amid road safety fears

Parents and school children have welcomed the return of their longstanding lollipop man amid concerns over the safety of a Hebburn road.
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The mobile patrol officer, who helps pupils across Finchale Road every day on their way to St James RC Primary School, was temporarily relocated at the beginning of the school term on Monday, January 6.

After a week of fears that an accident was “waiting to happen”, parents at the school gates were relieved to see the return of their lollipop man on Friday, January 10.

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Hexham Avenue resident Steven Ede, who has two children at the school aged six and seven, said: “I’m so glad that he’s back for the kids safety, that was my main priority.

Parent Steven Ede has welcomed the return of the mobile patrol officer on Finchale Road, Hebburn.Parent Steven Ede has welcomed the return of the mobile patrol officer on Finchale Road, Hebburn.
Parent Steven Ede has welcomed the return of the mobile patrol officer on Finchale Road, Hebburn.

“That lollipop man has done the job for years. The reaction in the playground was amazing on Friday afternoon, all of the parents are so pleased that he’s back.”

However, now they say that the last week has highlighted the need for further safety precautions on the road.

“It does highlight the problems with the road, we have seen how dangerous it can be now,” continued Mr Ede.

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“Over the last four or five days I’ve seen parents struggling across the road.”

Parent Steven Ede says the last week has raised concerns over the safety of the road.Parent Steven Ede says the last week has raised concerns over the safety of the road.
Parent Steven Ede says the last week has raised concerns over the safety of the road.

According to residents there have been five accidents on Finchale Road in the last year.

“This has highlighted the need for speed ramps on this road,” said Mr Ede.

“The road is so busy and the cars scream down it, it just takes one child to step out.”

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But council bosses say there are no plans to introduce further traffic calming measures.

Parent Steven Ede has welcomed the patrol officer's return after they were temporarily relocated.Parent Steven Ede has welcomed the patrol officer's return after they were temporarily relocated.
Parent Steven Ede has welcomed the patrol officer's return after they were temporarily relocated.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: “As an annual process we review road traffic accidents across the borough and should we find an area with road safety concerns, showing a history of recorded injury accidents and consistent speeding problem, then we would look to focus on these areas as priority for further investigation and possible road safety measures.

“Parts of Finchale Road already have traffic calming measures in place and assessment of speeds show overall compliance with the 30mph speed limit. Therefore at this time there are no plans to introduce further measures, however we will continue to monitor the situation.”