SAFETY measures for children crossing one of Minehead's busiest roads were called for this week - just days before the start of the new school year. Worried parents and at least one local headteacher believe a permanent pedestrian crossing should be installed in Townsend Road, which is close to two of the town's schools. Although Minehead First employs two people to job-share a 'lollipop' patrol, budget constraints mean that from this year they will be on duty for only 15 minutes at the start and end of the school day. And they will clock off just as Minehead Middle pupils finish lessons at 3.45pm and begin their journeys home. One local mother of two, who has a five-year-old due to start at Minehead First and a nine-year-old at Minehead Middle, said this would leave middle school pupils crossing potentially a very dangerous road alone. "Although the middle school has a lollipop patrol in Ponsford Road this really only helps children going towards Alcombe," said the woman, who asked not to be named. "Historically, I think the middle school has relied on the first school crossing patrol to help the very many children who have to get across Townsend Road. "But what would provide a solution to the whole issue would be to have a permanent crossing of some sort. "It is the middle school youngsters who really need the help because they are the ones who will be beginning to walk to and from school alone. "My husband and I have been responsible parents and have talked a lot about road safety issues with our children and what they should do to keep safe but we are not alone in the position we find ourselves in. "There are at least half a dozen other families just from our close circle of friends who are facing the same problem." The woman said she had contacted Somerset County Council's 'Safe Walk to School' unit to ask about the possibility of installing some form of permanent crossing but had been given little hope of success. "It appears nothing has changed since the 1970s in the way councils respond to a situation like this. "Townsend Road is treacherous but in terms of traffic calming or installing a pelican crossing, I was told the county council would only respond to incidents. "It would appear someone has to die or be seriously injured before any action can be taken, which is so wrong." However, yesterday (Thursday) the county council confirmed the possibility of a permanent crossing had been included in the Local Transport Plan for Minehead. LTP implementation manager Martin Hills told the Free Press: "Somerset County Council is in the early stages of assessing the feasibility of a crossing and is in the process of measuring the actual speed of cars using the road. "When these figures are received, a decision will be made on the way forward." The call for a permanent crossing has already won the backing of Minehead First headteacher Brenda Coupe. "Townsend Road is a very dangerous road and we have actually had a member of staff knocked over on it," she said. Mrs Coupe said her school would continue to provide a lollipop patrol but a permanent crossing would give those carrying out the duty some much needed additional protection. "Drivers can be very aggressive and we have even had cars nudging the 'lollipop' in the past. "We need some visible warning signs for motorists that a patrol crossing is ahead and some permanent measure would provide this. "There is a definite need for a crossing and with two schools in the area the county council should not only consider it - it should actually get on and do it. "What price can you put on a child's life?"
