In Kirton, I know many residents are worried about two very practical issues: road safety around our schools, and the lack of reliable local bus services. These concerns come up time and again, in my school visits, surgeries, coffee mornings and when I’m out knocking on doors.
One of the most immediate concerns is the safety of our children on the way to and from school. Many families in Kirton rely on nearby Bucklesham Primary and Trimley St Martin Primary – and like so many small schools across Suffolk Coastal, both are situated on or near busy rural roads. I’ve heard from parents and staff who are concerned about fast traffic, limited signage and a lack of safe places to cross, especially at drop-off and pick-up times.
Working with primary schools in the constituency, I’ve launched a Parliamentary petition calling for a tailored road safety plan for every primary school in the constituency. That means looking carefully at local speed limits, crossings, pavement access and visibility – all informed by the people who know these roads best.
Separately, I’ve just launched an online survey on local bus services. I know how difficult it can be in rural and coastal communities when bus routes are cut, services become unreliable, or timetables no longer reflect real life. Whether you still use the bus, used to, or want to but cannot – I would be really grateful if you could take a few minutes to share your experience. The more responses I gather, the stronger the case I can make for improvements – and I’m keen that we shape the solutions together.
Public transport and road safety are not luxuries. Whether it’s a schoolchild needing a safe crossing or an older resident trying to stay independent, we need our services and infrastructure to work for everyone.
You can find the bus survey on my website – here is a direct link.
Email: jenny.riddellcarpenter.mp@parliament.uk
Telephone: 01394 330260
Website: www.jennyforsuffolkcoastal.org
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