SCHOOL pupils have written to the county council to thank the local authority for fixing bollards which had blighted the school for three and a half years.
St Philip and St James’ CE Primary School headteacher Sarah Awuye said there had been too many near misses due to faulty remotely controlled rising bollards, designed to protect pupils using Aristotle Bridge.
Pupils led a week of awareness activities in October, taking to the bridge to record the number of cars, cyclists and pedestrians using it.
Read again: Headteacher warns of ‘accident waiting to happen’ on bridge to Oxford school
On January 18, the school was told the bollards were operating, and as a show of appreciation, Year 6 pupils have written to thank Oxfordshire County Council.
The letter to the council reads: “We are writing to thank you for addressing our concerns regarding the bollard by Aristotle Bridge next to our school, St Philip and St James’ Primary.
“We are sincerely grateful that you have taken our request and survey seriously.
“After completing our survey about how many bikes and cars went over Aristotle Bridge between 8.30am and 9am, we are thankful that you have repaired the bollard.
“Over the last few weeks, the impact of your actions has benefitted our school community greatly, allowing all pupils to come to school safely.
“Your actions will continue to be extremely helpful in limiting which vehicles can or can’t go over the bridge, ensuring the safety of all pupils and adults arriving at our school.
“We also feel much safer cycling to school as cars aren’t recklessly charging over the bridge.
“Once again, we really appreciate you fixing the bollard and are glad that you could help keep the local citizens safe.”
Just like in October, Ms Awuye said it was important that children made their voices heard by penning the letter.
She told the Oxford Mail: “The council responded, and it’s got to the point where it’s working really, really well.
“The children are incredibly grateful and it’s so calm now, it feels a lot safer.
“They felt it would be a good idea to write this letter and that it was the next step to make, they were aware how much effort had gone in to get to this stage.
“Part of our ethos is to encourage our children to take a positive and peaceful stance, so we support them to do that in a manageable, safe and respectful way.”
She added: “It was so important to our whole school community, the vast majority of the 400 pupils walk or cycle to school.
“It’s a way of life for the children here – that’s how important it is.”
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