Worried mums sign crane fear petition

A tower crane has been positioned near St Mary Magdalene's RC School in Hastings Road.

The crane was dismantled on Monday, but was due to go up again today with added safety features.

The builders are in the process of putting up two blocks of flats.

Lindsay Baker, of Pebsham Lane, told the Observer: "Parents are very concerned. There were five concrete blocks hanging over our children's classrooms, held up by two straps."

Lindsay has two children at the school, Ryan and Harry.

She has photographed on her mobile phone what seemed to be a smashed window in the cab of the crane, before it was taken down.

She said: "There is a bit of hardboard over it now, or cardboard. But they haven't got a proper view - you would not have a panoramic view, it would be blocked."

She has approached Rother District Council who said the crane had been positioned where it was rather than over the new brickwork on the drive.

She thinks the danger is being underestimated, and points out there have been 18 deaths from crane accidents nationally during recent months.

"Lots of parents are really concerned. They don't want to send their kids to school because they are so worried," she said.

She and three other mums were collecting signatures this week for a petition to make their feelings known - they are Susan Wheeler of Roundacres, Nicky Bowman of Pebsham Lane and Jane Roper from Battle.

Nicky said: "If we are not guaranteed 100 per cent that our kids are going to be safe when that crane goes up, we will keep the children at home. And they can pay for private tutors."

Another mother with two children at the school said she has heard of other fearful parents beginning to look for places in alternative schools.

She said that on one occasion children in the classroom were able to look up through the glass in the ceiling, and see the concrete blocks hanging down over them.

They are also shocked by raw sewage leaking out of a drain at the front of the property, near where most of the children use the crossing.

Managing director of Allum Developers and Contractors, Terry Allum, said: "We provided due consideration and had many consultations with the school regarding this matter.

"Upon receipt of their approval, the crane supplied by Falcon Crane Hire Ltd is presently being erected, and Allum Developers and Contractors Limited will ensure that every current health and safety legislation will be strictly adhered to.

"With this in mind, and as is already apparent by information boards erected, they clearly state the restrictive loading and unloading times which avoid the school's peak periods.

"The crane is operated by fully skilled and certified crane operators.

"In addition to this there are fully trained slingers and signalers on site, it is fully insured and will remain so for the duration of its use and will, at all times, adhere to all statutory requirements."