Lib Dems call for lollipop crossing patrol at Ford's Highfield Academy

Ford Estate councillor Martin Haswell and local parents are demanding Sunderland Council introduces a lollipop crossing patrol at busy junction near Highfield Academy after traffic volumes surge because of Northern Spire bridge.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Pallion and Ford Martin Haswell is calling on Sunderland Council to introduce lollipop crossing patrol outside Highfield Academy in Ford Estate.

The move comes after residents raised concerns about the safety of parents and children crossing the busy junction of Front Road and Fordfield Road.

Already a busy junction, traffic volumes on Front Road have increased in the years following the opening of the Northern Spire bridge with traffic volumes at peak times posing a challenge for parents and school children to safely cross.

Speaking about the campaign Councillor Martin Haswell said:

"This is really busy junction and also the main route for parents and children walking to and from Highfield Academy. Although there is a 20mph zone in place, parents are telling me that they don't feel safe crossing the road and have asked repeatedly to have the lollipop crossing patrol back after being cut years ago.

"The council have said they are struggling to recruit for the role but haven't been advertising the position for months. Parents in the area want to see this junction made safer for the school run so they can walk to and from school rather than take the car, especially when the weather improves at this time of year.

"I hope Sunderland City Council will listen to the demands of residents and commit to getting this vacancy filled and bring back the school crossing patrol outside Highfield Academy."