AN MP has been on a fact-finding mission to a secondary school in Witham after concerns over road safety were raised.

Witham MP Dame Priti Patel visited New Rickstones Academy, in Conrad Road, on Friday to inspect a pedestrian crossing near the school.

Headteacher Simon Gibbs met with Dame Priti to show her first-hand how the crossing on Conrad road is a safety concern for the students, pedestrians and staff of the school.

With other nearby schools, it is estimated that once the school day finishes, almost 2,000 pupils will be in the area and a significant amount will need to use the crossing.

Gazette: Concerned - The staff at New Rickstones Academy are worried about safety issues at the Conrad Road pedestrian crossingConcerned - The staff at New Rickstones Academy are worried about safety issues at the Conrad Road pedestrian crossing (Image: Google)

Due to the high traffic rate and number of pupils on Conrad Road at the end of the day, teachers have had to step in as traffic marshals to halt oncoming traffic to avoid any possible dangerous scenarios.

Dame Priti said: “I am aware of how concerned parents and teachers are about the safety on Conrad Road and this pedestrian crossing outside of New Rickstones Academy.

“Both parents and the school have raised this issue with me recently and after seeing the situation at the school gates first-hand last Friday, I very much share their concerns.

She continued: “I have made urgent representations to Essex County Council on this matter, and hope to see the cabinet member for highways and his officials on-site very soon so that they can see for themselves this situation which needs addressing."

A spokesman for Essex Highways said a new crossing is in the pipeline.

They said: “The Braintree Local Highways Panel (LHP) has commissioned a design for a zebra crossing in Rickstones Road, just east of the junction with Conrad Road.

“The design will be completed during the current financial year so that the LHP can consider funding its implementation as part of the programme of work for 2024/25.

“There is also a proposed scheme to restrict parking along Conrad Road to improve visibility being considered for implementation next financial year.

They added: “Should the school wish to explore any further improvements, they should contact their local county councillor who, if in support, can put a request forward for consideration.”