February Update
The meeting of concern held at Morley Primary School on February 8th 2008 was well supported by residents, parents, councillors, local community groups and our near neighbours Broomfield College. It was heartening to have the backing of our Mayor, Councillor Mrs Eileen Knight, County Councillor Carol Hart, Borough Councillor Mr Alan Somerfield, and the Governors of the school.
Welcome and address was given by Miss Kate Marsland, Head Teacher followed by a brief history of previous appeals given by Mr John Queenborough, Chair of Morley Parish Council. Mrs Dawn Lockwood secretary of the PTA, informed the meeting what our hopes and objectives are to secure a safe place to cross for all, young and old alike. Catherine Allsop who is co-ordinating the appeal on behalf of the community to the County Council gave a summary of the current situation of road traffic on the A608. Mr Pete Disney gave an excellent power point presentation on behalf of the school illustrating the need for more protection for pedestrians crossing the A608, and how inadequate our safety measures are in relation to other schools in Derbyshire. Nick Billinge, and Ian Baldwin representing Broomfield College gave the meeting a glimpse of the immense amount of work the college is undertaking to lobby the County Council for a reduction in the proposed speed limit from 50mph to 40mph along the stretch from Breadsall to Bell Lane in Smalley. Becky Pollard shared her concerns for her youth club members crossing in the evening, and Mrs Barbara Daykin MBE highlighted the dangers experienced by a lollipop crossing warden on this dangerous stretch of road. An open discussion culminated in a unanimous decision to push on with this appeal, volunteers were taken to form a working party and an action plan has been formed.
The Community Appeal and letters of objection to the proposed 50mph limit have been formally given to Brian Lucas, Community Safety Committee Member, and Mike Ashworth, Deputy Strategic Director at County Hall, Matlock, by Catherine Allsop on February 14th 2008.
Can You Help Spread the Word?
If you are in a position to assist us with promotion of this campaign please do so by downloading the campaign poster. Please feel free to print off the poster and/or forward it on to anyone who may be able to offer support and attract publicity to this campaign.