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Community Takes Action for Safety
In a heartfelt response to concerns for children's safety, parents in Castle Douglas have united to launch a petition to restore the much-needed lollipop person at the busy Queen Street crossing. The initiative comes after alarming incidents, where children have narrowly escaped accidents due to heavy traffic and poor visibility at this crucial crossing point.
The Risks Faced Every Day
Castle Douglas stands as a bustling hub, with heavy vehicles and local commuters frequently converging at the intersection of Queen Street and Jenny’s Loaning. Tragically, recent events have underscored the potential dangers. Kieran Patterson, one of the vocal parents, shared, "We’ve had multiple near misses over the past month; it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt." Parents fear for their children's safety, especially with persistent reports of drivers ignoring traffic lights, underscoring the urgent need for trained personnel to guide school traffic.
A Community Rallying Cry
As of now, over 366 signatures have been gathered on the petition, a number that illustrates the community's growing concern for their children's safety. This grassroots support is a powerful reminder of how local issues can spark significant community action. Katrina Patterson, another concerned parent, noted, "We can teach our children how to cross roads safely, but we can’t control the behaviour of others on the road. The traffic situation here is chaotic and has confused many drivers." This message resonates deeply with parents who feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed by local authorities.
The Council's Response: A Frustrating Cycle
The local council’s decision to remove the lollipop patrol at Queen Street was part of budget cuts last February, which has led to widespread frustration among parents. The response from the council, emphasizing that the responsibility falls on parents while recognizing the traffic issues, seems insufficient for many in the community. As safety concerns grow, so does the sense of urgency among parents to lobby local councillors for immediate action.
Local Insights and Future Implications
This incident opens a broader conversation about the importance of safety infrastructure in community planning. With many children relying on this route for their commute to school, parents are not alone in their concerns. Councillor responses hint at the need for a collaborative approach involving parent volunteers, improved signage, and perhaps automatic systems that can help mitigate these risks.
The Ripple Effect
Such local initiatives reflect a vibrant community spirit in Dumfries and Galloway. While this petition specifically addresses the lollipop patrol, it brings forth a larger narrative about the need for community resilience in facing safety issues that can impact everyone. It encourages other parents and residents to be proactive, turning collective concern into impactful action.
Taking Action and Making Your Voice Heard
The Castle Douglas parents' initiative serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other communities facing similar issues. If you would like to contribute to the petition and advocate for safer crossing zones for our children, your participation can make a significant difference. To join the cause, please sign the petition and bring awareness to this crucial safety measure.
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