Arrive alive at IGS

Do you have children at Ilkley Grammar School or children who will go to IGS in future?

Have you ever been near to the main school entrance at drop-off or pick-up time?

Were you concerned to see children dashing across the road amongst the cars and buses?

Do you find it astounding that a school of some 1,600 pupils lacks a safe crossing point at its main entrance?

We are a group of parents who are concerned about the safety of children reaching the Grammar School. The school is based on a busy road, which cars use as a commuter run for crossing the Moor to Bradford and other connected areas. There are no safety measures for the pupils, other than a mini-roundabout some way up the road, which does little to calm traffic by the school itself. Pupils are regularly seen dodging out between moving and parked cars to cross. The situation is an accident waiting to happen. That only one student has so far been knocked down by a car (a visiting exchange student) is just lucky.

The highways department spends millions putting traffic calming measures into small suburban streets with small populations. How can the safety of 1,600 pupils from across the Wharfe valley not be a priority?

We are pushing for a pelican crossing opposite the main gate, so that all pupils can cross in safety. This would also slow cars in the vicinity, as drivers would be aware that they might be required to stop.

It will also encourage children to walk to school – a measure that the government is promoting and which improves the health of our children.

The head teacher is supportive of this call. She has stated that: ‘ I share your concern about students crossing Cowpasture Road….I am very aware of the crossing difficulties and potential dangers at the start and end of school’.

While a new site is being planned, it is not guaranteed to go ahead, nor will it happen for some years. Meanwhile, this is an urgent local priority which needs to be addressed before more children are injured or worse.

If you are concerned, please add your name and address to the petition below (and encourage your friends and neighbours to do so too). All signatures will be collected and presented to the Highways Department and other relevant authorities.

Your voice will help to make them take action!