Urgent need of pedestrian crossing at Mayo school highlighted by students

Students of Balla Secondary School have written to elected member of Mayo County Council to highlight an urgent safety issue near the school.

The absence of a pedestrian crossing is affecting the accessibility of all students, particularly those who use wheelchairs and have mobility issues.

The letter stated: "It is something we feel must be addressed urgently.

"Currently there is no pedestrian crossing at the entrance to our school near the petrol station in Balla.

"Wheelchair users and other pedestrians are forced to travel further up the footpath to find a safe crossing point, especially when heading to the nearby supermarket.

"This situation is not only inconvenient, but also poses a significant safety risk, especially during busy traffic periods.

"We are disappointed that despite recent major road works carried out in Balla, no crossing was installed near our school.

"As a school community we feel let down by this oversight, as ensuring safe access should have been a priority.

"We are calling on councillors to take immediate action to rectify this issue and demonstrate your commitment to the wellbeing of our community.

"It would also show your commitment to making our town a safer, more inclusive place for everyone."

The initiative to raise the issue was taken by members of the school's third year class group as part of its CSPE module