HC Deb 27 January 1966 vol 723 c390
37. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many policemen, and with what hours of duty, guard the pedestrian crossing at the foot of South Hill Park, Hampstead, where East Heath Road and South End Road are connected by the narrow neck of road opposite Hampstead Heath railway station; and what is the cost to the public of their doing so.

Mr. George Thomas

This crossing is manned by a police officer or cadet on all school attendance days from 8.45 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and from 3.45 p.m. to 4.45 p.m., a total of 8¾ hours a week. The estimated cost (taking into account pay, allowances, uniform, pension and overheads) is £7 9s. 5d. The appointment of a civilian school crossing patrol has been authorised, but it has not yet been possible to recruit one.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does the Minister not realise that this narrow neck is a death trap which is caused by the jutting out of Hampstead Railway Station and that if the railway station and its yard were pushed back there would be a clear passage between the two roads? Will he take steps to see that that place is cleared?

Mr. Thomas

I am prepared to do a great deal for my hon. and learned Friend, but I cannot undertake to move either the station or the station yard. I can assure him that we are doing our best to get a civilian school crossing patrol.