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  This article appeared in The Diss Express on 15 December 2006

School's need for crossing is urgent


 

 

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon reflects on road issues in the area and talks about today's inquiry into Norfolk's railway service
 

Last week I visited Harleston Primary School to see for myself the horrendous traffic conditions facing children when they cross Redenhall Road to reach the school’s gates.

This road is far too dangerous for children to cross without assistance.  The school had a lollipop lady who served for many years, until recently.  Despite repeated advertising the school hasn’t been able to replace her.  Now children are in increased danger.

POINTING THE WAY:
Richard Bacon listens to the
concerns of Harleston headteacher
Roger Walsh and parents
at the school

Although courteous drivers in one direction often stop to let children cross, this can actually increase the danger since it encourages children to cross the road while drivers approaching from the opposite direction might not necessarily have seen them. 

Concerned parents have formed an action group to get something done. The obvious answer is a pelican crossing with traffic lights, and I have asked the County Council to make this a priority.

Fair deal for Fair Green

I have been contacted by residents of Fair Green concerned about the use of the roads on the North and South side of the Green as a “rat run” and a short cut to a nearby builders' merchants.

These two roads are for access to residents' properties only and the extra traffic is dangerous for local people, while heavy vehicles create deep potholes in the roads.  Fair Green is just not suitable for this kind of heavy traffic. 

The road signs at Fair Green are inadequate and it is not clear that access should be to residents' properties only. 

Road signs are the responsibility of the County and I have written to Planning and Transportation bosses at Norfolk County Council asking them to improve the signs.

Rail Inquiry

Today I am joining with my fellow Norfolk MPs to hold an inquiry into the service that rail passengers in Norfolk are receiving.

I have received many letters and emails from people who travel from Diss to London who are tired of travelling on crowded, uncomfortable and unreliable trains. 

Rail services reached an all-time low this September, with long delays caused by faulty overhead power lines with One Railway and Network Rail blaming each other for the chaos.   

We expect to get some answers from rail bosses.

The head of One Railway Dominic Booth and Route Director of Network Rail Jon Wiseman will be left in no doubt that passengers in South Norfolk have had enough.  I will be asking them what has been going wrong and how they intend to put it right.

▪ Need to see your MP? You can make an appointment to see Richard by calling 01379 642769.


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