Monks Coppenhall Primary Academy in Crewe has had issues with parking for years, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times, where parents park dangerously on busy main roads, causing issues for local residents, drivers, and pedestrians.
Mr Leech, headteacher of Monks Coppenhall, approached Mr Naismith for support after repeated consultations with residents and parents failed to offer a solution.
Following representations from Mr Naismith and Crewe East Councillors Hazel Faddes and Martin Edwards, Cheshire East Council have agreed to implement new restrictions to further limit cars stopping outside of the school and in the surrounding area.
Monks Coppenhall Primary Academy is located on Remer Street in Crewe, a busy arterial road where emergency services are often driving at speed towards Leighton Hospital and freight traffic heading to the motorway.
For years, residents and teachers at the school have raised concerns about parking around the school during pick-up and drop-off times. Despite repeated communications with parents, parking has remained a significant safety issue for pedestrians and drivers.
With parked cars backed up along the busy main road during peak times, emergency vehicles and trucks struggle to get past. Residents have also reported being unable to exit their drives or walk on the pavement because of cars pulled up on the roadside.
After Mr Leech reported this issue to Connor Naismith, he arranged for a survey to be conducted with residents who lived on Remer Street and the surrounding areas.
These results demonstrated the impact that parking was having on the community. Following engagement with local councillors Hazel Faddes and Martin Edwards, Cheshire East Council agreed to look at a series of measures to restrict parking in the local area.
The new measures will include: an extension of the pedestrian crossing zig-zags outside of the school; an extension of the 'no waiting' areas outside neighbouring houses; and more double yellow markings on Acer Avenue.
Connor Naismith MP said: "I'm really grateful to Carl, Hazel and Martin for their tireless efforts on demanding change. I know Carl has put considerable energy into ensuring his students are safe on their journeys to and from school.
"And thank you also to each of the residents who completed our survey and helped to make the case for these improvements to the Council."
Headteacher Carl Leech said: "The safety of our children is of paramount importance, and for too long, dangerous parking at peak times has put our pupils, local residents, and road users at risk. Being located on a busy route like Remer Street means we cannot afford to compromise on road safety.
"I am incredibly grateful for the proactive involvement and support of Connor Naismith MP, as well as Councillors Hazel Faddes and Martin Edwards. By working together and listening to our parents' and neighbours' concerns, we have finally secured the practical changes needed from Cheshire East Council. These new restrictions will make a massive difference in keeping our community safe."
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Notes to the Editor A video outlining this story can be found on social media here: https://fb.watch/I3exuC-Xvr/
Image Description Headteacher Carl Leech with Connor Naismith MP, Cllr Hazel Faddes and Cllr Martin Edwards outside Monks Coppenhall Primary Academy.
