Calls for traffic review of schools in Whitehaven amid safety fears

Councillor Brian O’Kane is pushing for Cumbria County Council to carry out a traffic review of Whitehaven, which would cover the schools.

He said a review was overdue and “badly needed” after he recently voiced concerns over traffic issues outside St James’ Junior School. 

St James' Junior School (Image: Google Street View)

Cllr O’Kane, who represents Whitehaven Central North on the town council and Hillcrest on Copeland Council, said: “There are all kinds of issues that the review needs to cover.

“My attitude with the schools is that nothing will be done until a child is severely injured.

“When you look at both the secondary schools and the mess that’s up there, to what degree are the county council going to address these situations?

“Is it going to take the death of a child or a severe injury to a child before anything is done?”

James Blackwell, headteacher at Jericho Primary School said he would support a review.

He said: “We have had near misses because we’ve had problems with parking. We have a lot of issues with traffic. We have a very understanding community who put up with a lot.

“I have sometimes daily phone calls, sometimes weekly phone calls, from the community complaining about traffic and issues around parking.

“We have St Benedict’s on our doorstep. We are a big school with 422 pupils. St Benedict’s have 1,500.

“Balmoral Road, which joins the two schools together, can be absolutely chaotic.”

Mr Blackwell said Jericho Primary School’s finishing time had been extended last year due to the impact of Covid and a need for more learning time.

He said this meant that schools in the area were finishing at the same time which had added to the traffic problem.

 “There’s no safe place on Balmoral Road for children to cross at all but if we wanted to put something in place, we would have to find the money. There is only so much money available in the school budget.

“There is a bus route that goes all the way round the housing estate but there isn’t a zebra or pelican crossing.

“There hasn’t been a wider strategy in terms of how the local road system is utilised.

“It is an issue and it needs people to come together from all aspects. It can’t just be left to schools to solve the problem.

“It needs a joint approach to move it forward. There is no easy answer.”

Julie Rayson, who represents the Hillcrest ward, said: “It’s an ongoing problem. It was suggested by some residents about Jericho Road being a one-way system.

“I just don’t know what the answer is. I understand that the headteacher does write to parents.

“The applications for more properties on Harras Moor is only going to make things worse.

“The county council has got to look at the roads around all the schools. We just don’t seem to be getting anywhere. It’s really frustrating and dangerous.

“The county council have had plenty opportunity over the last few years that we have been raising it.”

Cllr Rayson added that a traffic review was probably “too little, too late”, if someone is knocked over in the meantime.

Alan Forster, who represents Hillcrest on Copeland Council said he was in favour of introducing a 20mph limit on the estate.

A county council spokesperson, said: “We are aware of parking concerns in the area and have been working closely with both Cumbria Police and representatives from the school to understand the issues and collectively work to improve the situation.

“Traffic Regulation Orders are reviewed periodically, with Whitehaven the next area due for review.

“This process will commence in April 2023 subject to approval by the new Cumberland Council after Local Government Reorganisation on April 1.

“Parking around St James’ Junior School and Jericho Primary School will be assessed as part of this review, amongst many other areas in the town.

“Residents, businesses and any other interested parties will be consulted on any proposed changes that arise from this process.”