Pupils from Osborne School took their campaign for a safe crossing on Andover Road all the way to Parliament on Wednesday 14th March.
The trip had a dual purpose; to learn more about democracy and see where both the Lords and Members of Parliament sit and to discuss the installation of an Andover Road pedestrian crossing with local MP, Steve Brine. Students and members of the School Council met with Mr Brine for a Q&A session after their tour of Parliament and questions ranged from the future of Winnall Rock School to what the Government knows about UFO's but quickly turned to the crossing issue.
The instillation of the puffin crossing was agreed with Hampshire County Council last year as a priority, but work still has not started. In a recent letter to the MP the council said it would take place in financial year 2012/13 but did not set any specific date. The road is very dangerous and there have been many near misses with the oncoming traffic with both Osborne School and Peter Symonds students, as well as the local residents.
HCC agree that the need for a controlled crossing on Andover Road was identified as one of the priorities of Winchester Town Access Plan, and say a feasibility study is currently being undertaken looking at locating a controlled Puffin crossing to the south of the junction with Athelstan Road but students and staff at the school are keen to keep up the pressure and see work get underway.
Steve Brine said: "I am delighted that the children from Osborne School had such a good time, and as ever I was subject to some very challenging questions. I have been involved in their crossing campaign for some time now and while it's good news we have got this far, we now need to finish the job and get it in place. This is important for the school but also for residents who live next door and many others who cross Andover Road at this point. We should remember this stretch of road will only get more dangerous if 2,000 houses are built less than a mile up the road. I will keep up the pressure and pay tribute to the School Council for the way they have campaigned on this issue."
Osborne teacher Penny Parkinson added; "The children really enjoyed their trip to Westminster. They all thought the Houses of Parliament were amazing including the statue of William Pitt which one pupil thought was Darth Vader. Our time with Steve munching our sandwiches was brilliant, he really engaged us all and answered the questions so well. It is so important for us that this crossing is put in place soon because, without doubt, the most dangerous part of the whole journey to London from Winchester was crossing Andover Road!"
Pictured; Osborne School children join Steve in Portcullis House
