PRIMARY school pupils, parents and staff have welcomed their first crossing patrol officer.
Children have had to cross the busy Stansty Road, Wrexham, to Ysgol Plas Coch for 10 years without the helping hand of a lollipop person.
But after a long campaign by parents, staff and community leaders, Daniel Davies took up crossing patrol duties on Friday.
One of those pushing for a crossing patrol was Geth Thomas, who has a five-year-old and a seven-year-old at the school.
He said: “My family has had several near-misses on that road, with cars going too quick and not seeing the kids.
“We’ve asked and we’ve received so it’s now time for us as parents and staff to say ‘thank you’.
“Cllr David Bithell has been fantastic, I can’t praise him enough,” he said. It will provide a safe place to cross for 350 children and elderly residents too.”
Cllr Bithell praised the work of Wrexham Council’s transport manager and fellow councillor Steve Wilson.
Cllr Bithell said he had been involved as many of the children, past and present, who went to the school lived in his ward. “I’m very pleased Rhosddu Community Council has part-funded the new school crossing patrol officer,” he said. “Teachers and parents have also shown great support.”
Other improvements include double yellow lines, safety railings outside the school and an extension to the central island.
Cllr Bithell added: “At the end of the day the safety of children and parents is of paramount importance to everyone.”