Dear Editor,
I write in response to the article by Councillor Gerald G Lee “Heighington Matters “ and in particular to Parents Parking at Heighington Primary School. How completely and unnecessarily frustrating this must be for Councillor Lee who has campaigned on safety issues outside the school grounds for so many years.
It is down to one factor only and that is selfishness. There  are some parents who would drive their children into their classrooms if possible!
However there is a wider issue to address. Heighington Village is a nightmare for pedestrians with so many narrow lanes, traffic parked on footpaths, lack of footpaths and blind exits.
Surely the first thing to be considered is a 20 mph zone in the direction of the crossroads by the school. This would be from the lower end of Hall Lane, from The Snackgate Lane exit/Millbank, from Highside Road / Hopelands, from The Village Hall and from the junction with the main road from Redworth. This zone should operate from 8.30am to 9.15 am and from 2.45pm to 3.45pm each school day. There would need to be flashing lights and warning signs.
This system operates in the USA and Canada. Are our children less special than their children – I think not! Such a system would also deter those drivers who use Millbank/Hall Lane as a “rat run”  to Newton Aycliffe rather than using the main road.
Meanwhile whilst such a measure is considered perhaps parents could leave home ten minutes earlier, wear sensible shoes, use a coat and walk their children to school from a safe parking place.
Don’t let this be an accident waiting to happen. Come on parents of Heighington pupils the answer is in your hands. Keep each and every one of these precious children safe.
A very concerned Grandparent