PEDESTRIAN crossings should feature in the planned reorganisation of Otley primary schools, it is claimed.

Three new primary schools, for four to 11 year olds are due to open in September - on the sites of Ashfield Infants, Westgate Infants and All Saints Infants.

Extension plans for the three schools - which will have to take children from the to be closed All Saints Juniors and Thomas Chippendale - have been conditionally approved by Leeds City Council's Development Control Panel (West).

Conditions, to be tackled by officers working under delegated powers, include the safe keeping of bats believed to roost at both Ashfield Infants and at Westgate School.

Now, Councillor Phil Coyne (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale) is pressing for crossings to be installed outside the schools where needed.

And he told last week's meeting that planners should insist that crossings become part of the reorganisation - and pointed out it had been a request of parents made at meetings held during the public consultation.

"It is unacceptable that youngsters will be crossing these busy roads and I think there needs to be a provision that pedestrian crossings are provided so that children can access these schools safely," said Coun Coyne.

Coun Coyne added he realised under the present formula none of the roads would satisfy the criteria for crossings and called for it to be changed.

"I know that the criteria is being looked at, but I think it is also our role as a planning committee to make recommendations and I say we should recommend that pedestrian crossings are provided in proposals for these schools."

But planning officer Andrew Watts said discussions would take place with the headteachers of all three schools and if pedestrian crossings were needed there would be money available.

"We've had meetings with all the headteachers about the School Travel Plan and the need for crossings may or may not be identified, but it is all in hand," he told the meeting.

"My understanding is that if a crossing is deemed necessary there will be money available."

Councillors accepted that it was important that the schemes be approved ahead of the new schools opening in September.

But they stressed it was vital that travel plans be put in place for parents taking and collecting their children from the schools.

The schemes feature four new classrooms and new sports pitches at All Saints Primary School, formerly the infants school, in Lisker Drive.

Ashfield Infants and Nursery in Weston Lane will get two new classrooms, and Westgate School, Scarborough Road, will get a new information technology suite, library and resource area.

The plans were conditionally approved on the understanding that Leeds City Council's planning officers discuss traffic issues with officers in the highways department.

Last year parents and teachers at Westgate School made calls for a pedestrian crossing on Bradford Road.

They said because of the increased numbers of pupils expected at the school following reorganisation, a crossing was a priority for the safety of children.

It was claimed that drivers sped up along the stretch of road making it difficult for children to cross.

Parents also claimed that particular part of Otley was saturated with traffic.

Their campaign also had the backing of city councillor Graham Kirkland (Lib Dem, Otley and Wharfedale).

l What do you think of the state of the town's roads? Is there a need for crossings outsiude the schools? Write with your views to Chief Reporter Lesley Tate at the Wharfedale Observer, 9 Orchard Gate, Otley LS21 3NX.