Footpath for student safety

Gosford Council will construct a footpath along Pretty Beach Rd later this year to ensure the safety of primary and preschool students in the area.

The footpath was originally planned for between Como Pde and Pretty Beach Public School. However, Cr Terri Latella called on council to extend the path to Walsingham Community Preschool in Heath Rd in a question without notice at council's meeting on June 22.

Ms Latella called for council officers to inspect the site with a view to improving pedestrian safety for all who use the area.

A site inspection was held on July 1 attended by representatives of the Walsingham Community Pre-School, Cr Latella and council officers.

"It was identified by the council officers that it would be logical ... for the footpath to be extended approximately 50 metres to reach the entry to the preschool in Heath Rd," a council staff report stated.

"It was agreed by those present that there did not appear to be a suitable site to provide a pedestrian refuge to assist in crossing Heath Rd.

"The construction of the footpath in Pretty Beach Rd is scheduled to be undertaken in the second half of 2010 with the extension to the pre-School will be undertaken at that time.

"The estimated $20,000 increase in cost in extending the project can be accommodated in a budget review following completion of the works."

Council agenda COR.90, 27 Jul 2010