After two and a half years, and much political wrangling, work has begun on two crossings to help schoolchildren use a “danger road”.
Redbridge Council’s Highways Department started constructing the zebra crossing points across St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, yesterday.
The first serves Woodbridge High School, and the second is at the junction with Gordon Road, near Churchfields Primary School, South Woodford.
Tamara Sturges, one of the mums who campaigned for the crossings, told the Recorder it was “better late than never”.
“My daughter has just started at Woodbridge so this is brilliant news, especially in time for when it gets dark earlier.”
Tamara, 44, of Gordon Road, South Woodford, explained that in the morning “a sea of children in black uniforms cross the road”, despite cars “regularly speeding and not stopping”.
Two and a half years ago Redbridge Council promised to install a crossing as part of the planning conditions for Woodbridge school’s expansion.
But in April this year nothing had been built and Cllr Gwyneth Deakins (LD, Roding) organised a protest, with Tamara and other mums, calling on the council to fulfill its commitment.
Cllr Deakins wanted the crossing to be at Gordon Road, and the Labour administration agreed to install both.
Reacting to the news on Monday Cllr Deakins said: “It’s about time. Whatever the debate and decision, it should have been done two or three years ago.
“All I have done is point out the views of local people, which was that the best place was near Gordon Road. I’m very pleased that the crossings are finally going in.”
Cllr Lloyd Duddridge (Lab, Roding) said “there was a lot of disagreement” but that “children’s safety comes first”.
Cllr Duddridge, who was elected in a summer by-election, continued: “I wanted to get it done as soon as possible.
“That was something I said in my campaign, not just being an advocate but also getting things done.”
The crossings are expected to be completed by November 4.
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