A NEW two-way main road through the future Les Nicolles school site was proposed by the Education Department last night. Members and architects faced an onslaught of questions from concerned residents about the draft plans and particularly the traffic measures being suggested.

They asked how already narrow lanes and known bottlenecks were going to cope with more traffic as a result of the two schools, despite the department’s ideas for solutions. And there were concerns about whether the new road would ease the problem.

‘When we bought the Les Nicolles site, there was very inadequate access and that was one of the first things we had to consider,’ said department representative Nicky Bougourd.

‘Our preferred solution is for a new two-way main road though the site, with a dedicated bus lay-by alongside. There are all the benefits of starting from scratch in that we have the opportunity to get it right with regards to pavements and ensuring it is the right width.’

The mainstream secondary and the special needs schools would use the different entrances, with traffic directed through a series of roundabouts to try to keep it away from narrow lanes.

Calming measures were suggested in a number of roads in the vicinity to try to slow the traffic, but also keep it flowing.

Further pedestrian crossings at key points, such as the Saltpans, Route Militaire crossing and near the Oatlands exit, could be introduced, but without changing the flow of traffic and without introducing new one-way systems.

‘We recognise that there will be more transport on the roads, but we are encouraging people to use specific and safe routes,’ said Education minister Martin Ozanne.

An increase of 10% in traffic had been calculated.

‘After an initial presentation a year ago, we have been working very hard to try to get to what we think is a solution, but in a community like this it is very hard to get something which is perfect.

‘These plans are not fixed in stone and we welcome further ideas about how to approach any of these problems.’

Many residents doubted whether the department had gone away and addressed the issues raised at a previous meeting.

They were given a colour map of the proposed site and roads, but wanted a bigger picture.

‘We want proposals about all the networks but we have just been given one small area,’ said St Sampson’s deputy Sam Maindonald.

‘Les Effards Road is a major concern, where there is already a history of child mortality, and there has been no comfort for the people living in the area or for the parents of children who might go to the school.

‘It is supposed to be an open governance and people want to know what is going on.’

Several Capelles residents said that it was already gridlock at times, without further cars, and people living in small lanes said that they often had to press themselves against the wall to avoid being hit.

Education chief officer Derek Neale stressed that the plans had not yet been finalised, but that the school had been agreed, so it was trying to work towards the best solution. The facility is due to open in September 2007, with the prime aim now to try to ensure the safe arrival and departure of the children.

Drainage issues in the low-lying area had also been addressed in detail, with plans to install proper drainage to control flows, made easier by the fact that the school building is less than a third the size the greenhouses were.

Part of the premises will include an extensive sports ground, pitches, a gym and sports hall, green courtyards and a swimming pool.

It is hoped people will help to think up a name for the school.