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Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Paul Robinson (16th Jul 2003 - 19:54:33) I notice that there is no longer a children's crossing point administered by a lollipop person at the junction of Headley Road and The Avenue. Given the volume of traffic especially in the morning, much of it composed of parents driving their offspring to school, I am surprised that this situation is being allowed to continue.

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (16th Jul 2003 - 20:42:30) Paul - The crossing person is employed by Hampshire County Council. I called them when I saw that the last lady had decided to retire. The post has been advertised apparently and the powers-that-be in Winchester are suposed to be organising a replacement. But it's all taking far too long. As I live just a few yards from the crossing point, and drive up and down Headley Road quite a bit, I know how dangerous the junction of Headley Road and The Avenue can be. What amazes me - and I'm sticking my neck out here - is the number of women drivers (with kids on board) who do NOT stop to allow children and parents to cross at the crossing point. It also gives cars a chance to exit from The Avenue (many with children who have been picked up from school of course). Anyway, I'll keep in contact with Winchester and let you know when it's confirmed that there wil be a new crossing person. When I lived in London and Essex, it was always the local police who covered, when crossing points were not manned by a lollipop person. Seems that doesn't happen here in Liphook. Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (17th Jul 2003 - 13:12:43) And some good news! I've just spoken with Tony Ennew at Hampshire County Council. Tony is responsible for recruitment of school patrols, and tells me that an applicant has come forward. All being well, we should see the new patrol in action from September. There's a fair bit of info about school patrols on the Hantsweb site: MORE LOLLIPOPS WANTED! What is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, gives you the chance to meet new people and provides real job satisfaction? Being a school crossing patrol! Hampshire County Council's team of school crossing patrols, or lollipop men and women, provide an important service for thousands of schoolchildren throughout the county - but more are needed. Certain areas of the county have a shortage of patrols, and the County Council wants to encourage more people to give it a go. Farnborough, Basingstoke, Andover, Alton, Petersfield, Bordon, Milford-on-Sea, Lymington and Fareham all have vacancies. Douglas Guyler (82), from Petersfield, has been a school crossing patrol for 14 years, and currently works at Moggs Mead. He said: I enjoy the job very much, and it's nice to see the children appreciate you taking them across the road. Some of them I've known since they were babies. It takes a bit of commitment, but we're getting more back up now from the County Council than we've ever had. I started because I'd retired and had nothing to do, so this makes sure I'm out and about in the morning. The County Council's Road Safety Team has been responsible for the patrol service since it transferred from the Education Department in April last year following a Best Value review. Executive Member for Environment, Councillor Keith Estlin, said: School crossing patrols are an important part of our plan to reduce the number of child casualties on the road by 50% by 2010. We're fortunate to have a team of dedicated and reliable patrols, and I know the service they provide is very much appreciated by parents and children alike - not to mention by the County Council itself. We need more community-minded people like them to ensure our children make it to and from school safely. I do urge people to consider giving a couple of hours of their time each day by becoming an patrol. Many of our patrols find the job ideal for their lifestyles, and really enjoy meeting the same faces regularly for a smile and a chat - with a new set of faces every September! For details of patrol vacancies in your area, please ring 01962 846274 or email school.crossings@hants.gov.uk.

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (6th Sep 2003 - 13:37:47) All here - I see there was no patrol on Friday afternoon, when I went past. I've put a call into Hampshire CC and am waiting to hear what has happened. There should have been an appointment to the job during the summer. Will report back. Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (17th Sep 2003 - 10:13:58) Dear All - sorry about the delay but it's proving difficult, tracking down the Hampshire County Council officer responsible for this. The latest news this morning is that the person who was going to be employed decided to drop their application. I'm waiting now to hear what HCC propose to do. So I'll keep you posted as soon as I hear some news. If anyone is interested in applying for the job, please get in touch with the Schools Crossing Officer at HCC in Winchester. rgds Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (20th Sep 2003 - 10:52:18) And an update: I have managed to speak to the Hampshire CC manager. Turns out that 2 people asked for applications forms during the summer - but both have decided not to apply. After the near-miss last Thursday, when a pensioner was almost run down by a McAllister's recovery truck, local parents complained to McAllister's and the driver has been suspended. I have asked Hampshire Police to provide temporary cover - no success due to lack of resources.Bit richj given that McAllisters are the tow-in service for Hampshire Police in this area - for seized vehicles!! So, have arranged a meeting this coming week with HCC on site in Headley Road. The flashing lights will be checked and if all okay, I will be given key/remote control. I propose to start using the lights and ask Infants and Juniors schools if they will help me prepare a rota of parents who are willing to switch the lights on and off at school times. One Mum has offered to take the lollipop job part-time, if some others are prepared to work a job-share with her. I have requested app forms from HCC. So, watch this space and watch out for the lights being used again. At least they might make some drivers a bit more alert. And a plea to everyone who uses Headley Road at school times - just slow down a bit, check your speedo. You'll be amazed how fast you are really going. And if there's someone waiting to cross - why not stop? It takes just a few seconds and could well save a life. It could be your child, your sister, your Grandmother waiting to cross. rgds to all here Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (27th Sep 2003 - 11:40:26) Latest: I now have the key to turn the flashing lights on and off - and used them for the first time on Friday afternoon. I also sat and watched the crossing point, observing traffic flows, especially the numbers of vehicles, those entering/exiting The Avenue etc. I am going to ask that a pedestrian-controlled crossing be introduced on Headley Road, as near to the junction with The Avenue as possible. Several parents (Thanks especially to Gill) have offered to job-share the patrol job, so I have requested application forms from HCC. And I will be visiting both the Infants and Junior schools next week, to ask for their co-operation in setting up a rota of parents who are prepared to switch the lights on and off for the time being, pending a full time patrol being re-established. If anyone would like to contact me direct to help with the lights rota, please give me a call on 077 69 665 963. rgds to all here. Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (14th Oct 2003 - 09:33:43) Just to keep everyone up to date: Several parents have said they will apply for the job on a job-share basis. The Infants School, in their weekly newsletter, told parents about the situation and invited volunteers to come forward. I will be speaking to several parents today, so that we have the lights on and off at least some of the time. I've started the process to see if we can have a proper, pedestrian-controlled crossing on the Headley Road. However, these things take time and it may be that the pedestrian crossing idea will fall away, as the plan to move both Infants and Junior schools is developed. But that, if it happens, will be some years away and the best solution is to have a properly staffed crossing point. rgds to all here Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (22nd Oct 2003 - 10:51:50) Dear All - Quick update. Two Headley Road Mums have volunteered to work the flashing crossing lights whenever they can, so expect to see them on in the morning and afternoon. However, we couldfuse some more help, so if there's anyone who uses the crossing point in Headley Road and would like to help, please call me on 07769 665 963. thx Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Paul Robinson (24th Oct 2003 - 16:19:15) Dear all, Whilst not wishing to belittle the volunteer efforts on behalf of the Mums this is really no solution. As winter sets in there is bound to be an increase in traffic and with children and parents hurrying through the dark cold evenings I fear that the liklihood of an accident is increased. This crossing point warrents authorised supervision and the authorities should be alerted to this. If the police have to be used pro tem you may depend they will not tolerate the situation for long. Paul Robinson

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (24th Oct 2003 - 23:15:35) Paul - The problem is two-fold: No-one is applying for the jobs. In Hampshire, there are now more than 43 vacancies. The police say they don't have the resources to cover for crossing patrols. Short of strong-arming the unemployed - what can we do? From talking to parents and the crossing patrol office in Winchester, a lot of people are happy to help out but not be tied to a rota. The County Council will not allow volunteers to actually see children across the road - because they are not insured if they are not employed. If anyone wants to do a job-share, please get in touch (as per messages/details in previous messages). rgds Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Paul Robinson (29th Oct 2003 - 06:22:02) The problem with staffing the children's crossing in the Headley Road and the 44 other sites in Hampshire will not be solved unless we re evaluate the importance we as a community put against the welfare of our children. By this I mean that unless we pay the crossing wardens a sum that demonstrates the importance we place on child safety we will never recruit suitable staff. This problem is not going to go away. How many accidents will it take to demonstrate this? Paul Robinson

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (30th Oct 2003 - 09:43:00) Paul - I agree. The County Council should look at this as a priority. They have known the recruitment problem for some time. Can I suggest that as many people as possible lobby our local County Councillor, Michael Cartwright. Michael's address is: The Spinney, Hillbrow Road, Liss, Hampshire GU30 7SJ. I know Michael takes this issue seriously and will do all he can to raise this in Winchester. Letters from residents will help. This would also be a good time, as the County Council embarks on its budget planning for next year. I was really disappointed that only 2 Mums from the Infants and Juniors were prepared to volunteer. I would have expected a few more to come forward - and especially some of the fathers who work from home and regularly collect kids from school. The two Mums who did volunteer have been great and have been trying to find others to help and find some to jobshare. Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Mike Grimes (30th Oct 2003 - 23:02:23) Freddie, you get most things right but I would like to defend the Mothers and 'work at home' Dads you are disappointed about. I work at home about 4 days a fortnight and occasionally pick up my two children from the Infant's school. This is because I want to and happen to have half an hour free as I sometimes find myself not too busy. I work at home because that is where I do my job. I may have the odd hour when I am not busy but that does not mean I could commit to a set schedule of 'Crossing duty'. Now the Mums. I'm sure many would be only too willing to assist except most have to pick up their own children at exactly the same time that this is needed. Walking buses might be a better way of solving this issue and if crossing the road is a problem then maybe a zebra/pelican crossing would help.

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (31st Oct 2003 - 08:19:57) Mike - I did hesitate before posting that last message, because I feel guilty I've only been able to turn the lights on three times myself and I live just a few yards from them. But I was really concerned that not more people had come forward. The two brilliant Mums who have volunteered said much the same as you - they cannot commit to an organised rota but will switch the lights on and off as often as they can. One of the Mums is trying to organise a small group to jobshare too, so that we would revert to a proper patrol. Maybe I could let you have one of the keys and ask you to switch the lights on or off on your journeys? The walking bus idea really is a good one and I know both schools have been asking parents to do this. Makes great sense. If you look back in this thread, I did say a while ago that I would try and get a pedestrian-controlled crossing installed. BUT, as someone new to local government, I have discovered that it would probably take at least 2 years to get something done, as all Highways work is undertaken by the County Council in Winchester and their forward planning and budgets can be a bit heavy-going. That said, I would still encourage everyone to write to Michael Cartwright. He will raise this at Winchester and, sure, HCC does need to look at the overall problem and see if there are other ways. I wonder if we could have timers fitted to the lights, so that they would come on and go off automatically? I'll ask Winchester about this. Mike - if you could operate the lights sometimes, just turning them on/off as you walk backwards/forward to the schools, please give me a call on 07769 665 963. rgds to all here Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Mike Grimes (6th Nov 2003 - 23:38:40) Freddie, This one required referral to higher authority as route to school is via Longmoor Road, not Headley Road. Apparently previously mentioned infants would not willingly tolerate the extra walking distance (they do know!) The suggestion opened up a hornets nest though. Higher authority could not understand why a crossing was not equally justified in Longmoor road. It also solicited the comment that drivers can see that it is pretty obvious that scores of children are walking to school just by looking at the pavements. Are they really going to change their driving behaviour when they see a couple of flashing lights? Especially when many of the culprits have children of their own on board. Re the lights, the timer idea looks best and I am pretty sure I could commit to assisting with operating it if it were installed.

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (7th Nov 2003 - 13:07:47) Mike - I know all about higher authorities ;-) Good point about Longmoor Road. What we really need to do is to re-educate drivers, to slow down and to actually stop when people want to cross the roads, and it's safe to do so. I just feel like getting the camera out sometimes and recording people speeding along all our roads. Then make some posters and display them around the village, just to shame people into slowing down and being more considerate. It's a local problem with national dimensions. All schools have these problems. Only a national campaign, backed with local initiatives, might change driving habits. In the meantime, all offers of help with the lights in headley Road much appreciated and I'm pursuing the timer idea. Will let you know what progress on all of this. rgds Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Eneida Nelson (30th Nov 2003 - 08:10:37) Further to all the correspondence regarding the difficulties of crossing the Headley Road (and not just for children) I noticed the other day that the perfect solution has just been installed.......on the London Road Could we have one of those too? Somewhere near the Co-op would suit me !

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Freddie Dawkins (13th Dec 2003 - 10:43:14) Eneida - A pinchpoint? Now there's a thought. Couple of personal observations: 1. Portsmouth Road, near the Old Rectory. The pinchpoint there is a bit odd, as it comes out more on one side than the other. I've noticed that traffic coming from Staion Road direction tends to swing out across centre of road. 2. London Road pinchpoint does seems to slow traffic down entering village. 3. Would a pinchpoint near the Co-op be a good idea? We'd have to think about traffic entering/exiting the Co-op car park - not the easiest manoeuvre at times - and effects on traffic entering/exiting Tower Road. On the crossing patrol. No progress unfortunately. Seems that, like most of Hampshire, once patrol people retire, there are very few new people coming forward to do the job. But can I say thanks to the two Headley Road Mums, who are switching the lights on and off as often as they can. They really deserve praise for volunteering and sticking with the job. Merry Christmas! Freddie Dawkins Parish Councillor

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Christopher James (28th Jan 2004 - 13:38:40) I have read the above with interest. It occurs to me that most traffic travelling at speed is entering the village. Could we not slow the traffic down before it crosses the A3 bridge. Most vehicles do not slow down (if at all) until they are almost upon the Avenue junction. This may assist with the traffic flow at peak school times. Perhaps we could have one of those priority pinch points on the bridge (?) that actually makes traffic stop if a vehicle is leaving the village. Perhaps extending the 20mph zone should also be considered from the Passfield side of the bridge coming into the village.

Re: Childrens crossing (Headley Road/The Avenue) - Les (13th Feb 2004 - 13:44:19) Has anyone driven through Wrecclesham lately, They have a system installed that detects the your travelling speed and displays it a few meters down the road. It’s not compulsory, but it does make you check your speed and slow down. Alternatively, if Road Workers, who have not formal training, can erect compulsory speed limit signs when they dig up the road, (thus imposing a legal speed limit which means you can still get a ticket if you get caught). Why can’t the Parish Council erect temporary speed limit signs along the Headley & Longmoor Roads. What a money-spinner that would be for the Police!

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