College coach drop off to be built in park?

A temporary coach drop off and student car park could be created in the grounds of Pontefract Park.

As The Express went to print, Wakefield Council’s Licensing Committee were meeting to discuss the proposals for the facilities, which would be used by students at New College, Pontefract.

From the start of the new term in September, until July 2017, 14 coaches which take pupils to and from the sixth-form college on Park Lane, would be allocated drop-off facilities in the park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And students would have access to a car share car park, on parkland adjacent to the college, between 8.30am and 4.30pm during term-time.

A report to the licensing meeting said: “The temporary coach drop off facility and the student car share parking will be managed by staff from New College to ensure that parking within the park is available for the people of Pontefract and the surrounding area.”

The scheme has been devised following several complaints about students parking in Pontefract Park, causing an “inconvenience” to people in the town wanting to visit the green space.

Those using the golf course, park facilities and nearby Pontefract Racecourse say they have been struggling to find a parking space due to pupils taking them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Concerns have also been raised over congestion on nearby streets, road safety and access to the park.

It is hoped by giving New College an allocated part of the park for parking and drop-off that these issues will be resolved.

In the long term, the college is considering the possibility of a permanent off road coach facility and car park.