Councillor and Parents Concerned about Unsafe Walking Route to Wishaw High School
SNP Councillor Fiona Fotheringham has raised serious concerns over the safety of a walking route to Clyde Valley High School (CVHS) in Wishaw. The councillor has brought up the issue with North Lanarkshire Council senior officers, highlighting the unacceptable and hazardous conditions of the path. The route, which is unlit, overgrown, muddy, and recently rerouted due to a new cemetery construction site, has been deemed inadequate for students walking to school.
Fotheringham has been vocal about the dangers of this walking route, emphasizing the lack of safety measures such as proper lighting, paved pathways, and the presence of hazardous debris like glass and fly tipping. She had been advocating for safe Active Travel paths to connect different communities in the area, but her efforts have not been successful so far. The councillor expressed disappointment in the council’s oversight in not incorporating these paths into the new cemetery plans.
In response to Fotheringham’s persistent advocacy, North Lanarkshire Council has agreed to reassess the walking route in the new year. Concerned parents, such as Amanda Smith, whose son walks two miles to CVHS, have also voiced their worries about the route’s unsafe conditions. Smith highlighted the lack of proper paths, lighting, and maintenance along the way, expressing disbelief that it was ever considered a safe route.
The council spokesperson acknowledged the need for a reevaluation of the walking route and assured that further assessments would be carried out early next year to address the safety concerns raised by the councillor and parents. With safety being a top priority, efforts are being made to ensure a secure and suitable path for students commuting to Clyde Valley High School.
Insights:
Unsafe walking routes to schools pose a significant risk to students’ safety and well-being, emphasizing the need for local authorities to prioritize infrastructure improvements.
Parental involvement and advocacy play a crucial role in drawing attention to safety concerns and pushing for necessary changes to protect children on their way to school.
Collaboration between councillors, parents, and council officials is essential to address shortcomings in existing walking routes and implement effective solutions for a safer commute for students.