Harborough MP, Neil O’Brien, is calling on a local council to help ease the problem of congested roads during the busy school run. During a recent visit to St Joseph’s Catholic Academy, Neil was asked by the headteacher if he would approach Harborough District Council to help them better manage their drop-off time in the mornings.
Neil explained:
“I loved visiting the school and meeting the pupils and staff. I spoke with the headteacher about the school’s successes, as well as the challenges they face. Undoubtedly, the discovery of RAAC posed a huge problem for the school, and I am pleased that we now have some light at the end of the tunnel. Whilst that has taken some time to resolve, there is another issue that could be easily and quickly resolved, and that is the issue of morning drop-offs.
“As with any school, morning drop-offs can be chaotic, with all the children arriving at the same time. Whilst this can be managed in a lot of places, with St Joseph’s it is harder because there are no places to easily drop off the children. It is also located on the busy Coventry Road, and stopping cars often cause congestion.
“However, there is a council-owned car park nearby, which is virtually empty at that time of the morning. The Commons car park would be a perfect place to easily – and safely – drop off children in the morning; it’s close to the school and would eliminate congestion on the road.
“I have written to Harborough Council who own the car park, to see if they will agree to this request. It makes total sense and would result in an immediate improvement in the morning drop-offs. It would only be needed in the morning as evening pick-ups are staggered and don’t cause the same problem.
“Whilst this may only be a small measure, it would create a big difference for this wonderful school in the town.”
