A CONCERNED resident says he is horrified at the lack of pedestrian crossings planned for outside a new school.

Matt Floyde, from Stanway, flagged up safety concerns at a consultation for the new “Lakelands” Primary School.

Essex County Council has submitted plans for a new 420-place primary school and an opening date has been earmarked for September 2020.

The school, off Christopher Garnett Chase in the Lakelands estate, will be built by Barnes Construction and Concertus Design and Property Consultants.

Consultation has been held with residents and Mr Floyde said he was shocked no pedestrian crossings were included in the plans.

He said: “What’s really needed is zebra crossing but because of the 40mph speed limit Highways said it will have to be a traffic light type crossing, which I see is something they will avoid if possible.

“I would like to know how the children who will be coming from the London Road estates will be able walk safely to the new school without a crossing point and have to rely on the good will of drivers.

“The safety of children and other pedestrians is being sacrificed as so not to affect traffic flow on the so-called Western Bypass.

“I noted there is no drop off lay-by for parents driving their children to school so the plans really need to make walking as safe as possible.

“Anyone in Stanway on the western side of the bypass has to take their life in their hands trying to walk anywhere.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said the crossings will be decided at a later stage.

He said: “The planning consultation process for new school developments will consider the provision of crossing facilities and where appropriate locations might be.

“These possible locations will be subject to safety and other criteria assessments before a recommendation is submitted to the local planning authority for consideration.

“In this case there is a live application being assessed.”