Inkberrow Primary lollipop lady quits after nearly being hit by 4x4 outside school

Staff and parents at Inkberrow Primary School have since raised concerns about speeding drivers during school drop off.

The issue came to a boiling point last week when a 4x4 overtook traffic that had been stopped as families crossed.

It was the latest of several such incidents on the main road through the village and led to the resignation of the school’s crossing patrol officer.

Headteacher Glenn Duggan-Seville is concerned the school may struggle to find a replacement.

He said: “After her resignation, I received an email from Worcestershire County Council saying that they will look into whether the school requires a new crossing patrol and if so, they will advertise the position.

“This is a concern as it took me three years to find a suitable person to encourage to apply to the council for the position.”

Inkberrow Primary School. Credit: Google Maps (Image: Inkberrow Primary School. Credit: Google Maps)

Mr Duggan-Seville added that the problem with crossing has been made worse after the pavement opposite the school was lowered and additional barriers installed.

He has purchased additional signage to make it clear to road users that there is a school.

“I have written to parents and updated them in the school newsletter about being extra vigilant when crossing the road outside the school,” he added.

“We are concerned about the speed of drivers, who often break the speed limit.

“We have encouraged parents to use the pelican crossing a short distance down the road."

James, Ottilie and Leoni Arnold ahead of Ottilie's first day at school (Image: James, Ottilie and Leoni Arnold ahead of Ottilie's first day at school)

Mr Duggan-Seville’s concerns are echoed by parents of children at the school.

Among them is Leoni Arnold, an NHS nurse whose four-year-old daughter Ottilie started reception in September.

She said: “It’s dangerous, more so with a toddler in tow. Some cars are amazing and stop, others see you crossing and don’t slow down which causes the children to panic and run.

“I think this has highlighted the lack of support for crossing patrol individuals and the risk that they put themselves in every day they work.

“I would like change, the village needs to be safer for our children. Nothing will change unless we change it!”

Worcestershire county councillor Mike Rouse, cabinet member for highways and transport, said they are aware of the concerns and will look to see what can be done.

He said: “I have received correspondence regarding residents’ concerns about safely crossing the nearby roads surrounding Inkberrow Primary School.

"I use the route in question myself when travelling from Redditch South to County Hall in Worcester, and sometimes pass through at school run time.

"The County Council received a request for a crossing outside the school and will be undertaking feasibility surveys, including collection of speed data.  

"The findings will then be shared with the county councillor for this area, Laura Gretton, in order to help progress any future crossing schemes."

Councillor Rouse added: "The School Crossing Patrol position at the school has recently become vacant and will be advertised.

"If anybody is interesting in applying for the role, they can express an interest by emailing scp@worcestershire.gov.uk."

Droitwich SNT has been contacted for a response but at the time of writing, none has been given.