Plans to install puffin crossing outside Holbeach primary school passed despite a ‘large number of objections’

Plans to install a puffin crossing outside a primary school have been passed - despite a ‘large number of objections’ from the public and local businesses.

Lincolnshire County Council found that a section of Spalding Road in Holbeach met the criteria to have a zebra crossing installed.

However, because an average of more than 500 vehicles use that stretch of road outside the William Stukeley Primary School each hour, regulations deem it necessary to upgrade the crossing to a button-controlled puffin crossing.

Residents and businesses had objected to the plans because the zig zag road markings that accompany these crossings would wipe out roadside parking spots.

At Monday’s planning and regulation committee meeting councilors voted unanimously to install the puffin crossing.

“Concerns have been raised in particular regarding schoolchildren crossing the road,” said LCCs programme leader for traffic Jan Gibson, who added the school had struggled to recruit a crossing patrol warden.

She added there have been a number of objections to the proposal from a ‘number of businesses’ and also a ‘large number of objections from members of the public’ due to the subsequent zig zag markings, which would ‘actually displace parking for about three vehicles’.

Coun Tracey Carter, who represents the Holbeach division, said she had sympathy will the nearby Red Lion pub, and other objectors, but added she was in ‘strong support’ of the crossing.

It was Coun Carter who submitted the request as a priority need in her division.

“That was due to the number of requests I received from residents and parents of the school,” she explained.

“The school have been wanting this crossing for a number of years, as have parents. I was contacted by one particular parent who had a scary incident with them and their daughter, and I want to avoid that happening to anybody else that’s visiting the school or public park.

“I fully appreciate the comments of the businesses locally. The pub is one I’ve enjoyed many Sunday lunches in and it is a fabulous facility.

“But I do consider the safety elements far outweight that concern and there is parking in close proximity to the pub for their customers to still enjoy, which is also free parking as well.”

Coun Paul Skinner added: “I worked in Holbeach for a number of years and since then I’ve been back a few times.

“I think this is very much needed, that road has got extremely busy. I’m fully in support.”