A SECONDARY school in Oxford is still without a road safety sign, seven months after the design and location of it was agreed.

The Cherwell School in Marston Ferry Road is still waiting for the electronic sign, which will warn motorists to slow down and look out for cyclists as they approach the school.

Fundraising for the sign started during the summer term in 2019, as well as for two other signs in nearby Moreton Road.

Now, Oxfordshire county councillor John Howson has called for the sign at the school to be put in place ahead of the new academic year starting next month.

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He said: “In the summer term of 2019, Cherwell School in north Oxford started fundraising for an electronic sign.

“The design and location of the signs were agreed in January, well before Covid-19 and lockdown, so it is disappointing that it looks as if the sign still won’t be in place for the start of the new school year.

“With the current push for more journeys by cycle this was a quick win for the county.

“Instead it is disappointing that I still cannot be given a date when the sign will arrive and be installed.

“Cherwell School has among the highest percentage of pupils that cycle to school and the new sign could encourage other secondary schools in the locality to persuade more students and staff to take the healthy option and cycle to school.”

Oxford Mail:

Chris Price, headteacher at the school, said he hoped the sign would be in place when students return.

“We are really keen for the additional sign to be installed as increasing safety for our cyclists is a priority,” he said.

“We are very hopeful that all parties can work together to quickly resolve this before term starts in September.

“We are currently endeavouring to find out the reason for the hold-up.”

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A spokesperson for the county council said the factory that makes the signs has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and this is why the sign has taken longer to be installed.

The spokesperson added: “Arrangements for the installation of the sign are being made by our contractors and they have been in direct contact with councillor Howson to explain the position.

“Covid-19 has had an impact on the installation as it has meant that the factory that make the signs has been closed.

“As the equipment is made to order there is a longer lead time but as soon as the equipment is available arrangements will be made for installation.”