HOW CAN THIS BE SAFE?

24 June 2005

As a local resident, parent and taxpayer, I am writing to express my deep concern and outright objection to the proposed building of another school in West Cross.

My concerns and objections are based on the following:

1. The safety of my children and other children who currently use St David's and Grange schools.

The volume of traffic currently encountered at the beginning and end of the school day is at breaking point, making it dangerous for children to navigate and negotiate busy roads.

The speed and amount of traffic is already hazardous, with a great number of cars and buses causing all manner of problems you can imagine with parking and drop-offs. I cannot imagine the impact that another 200 (not to mention 400) pupils would have on the number of cars and buses congregating into the area at this time.

I do not understand how this can be considered safe for any child.West Cross Lane is already a major road used by residents of west Swansea and the road is a busy and fast one.

Increasing the level of traffic would, I suggest, be unsafe and intolerable for local residents, children and pupils.

2. I understand there is a huge debate currently ongoing regarding the changing pupil rolls of all Swansea schools and the impact that these changes will have on the number of schools needed in the city. It seems some schools will have to close because of falling pupil numbers. As a taxpayer, it seems incredible that this plan to build a new school co-exists with plans to close other schools - is this a good use of local taxpayers' money?

Moreover, I would hope that a comprehensive study has been undertaken to consider the feasibility of this plan, especially under value-for-money terms when spending large amounts from the public purse.

3. Impact on the local environment will be substantial. At a time when we are all concerned about the loss of greenfield sites, loss of space for children to exercise, and concerns about the increasing loss of environmentally friendly areas - how can this plan be considered?

If you share my concerns, write to Kelly Small, Education Department, County Hall, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN.

R Hake, West Cross Lane, West Cross, Swansea