Parents of pupils at Ballasalla Primary School are reminded to exercise caution at the start of term due to the ongoing redevelopment of the Clagh Vane estate. Contractors are working hard to minimise disruption to those accessing the school on foot and by vehicle, Headteacher Lyn Ashworth said. The new car parking on the estate at Cobbold Place, Quine’s Close and at the rear of Barrule Drive (completed last year) is well used by residents of the estate but in the morning and mid afternoon on school days places will be available for parents when dropping off children at school. Works have recently commenced on the demolition of existing and development of new housing and contractors’ vehicles might still be present on the main estate road and near the main school gates, meaning some parking could be disrupted. In addition, some pavements are temporarily re-routed to avoid works. Parents should also note that the lane to the rear of Glashen Terrace and the bungalows on Cobbold Place, sometimes used by parents in cars, has now been closed to through traffic so all traffic will have to approach and leave the school along the main access route (Cobbold Place). Extreme caution will be required when using the turning circle outside the main gates. The main footpath from Douglas Road, alongside the perimeter fence, is currently closed. However, contractors are endeavouring to have this pathway open by tomorrow (Tuesday 6th September). This restricted access could impact on those children using public transport and those dropped off by parents who use the laybys on the main road. All pedestrian and vehicular access to school from the south needs to enter the Clagh Vane estate via the main junction on the Douglas Road. Mrs Ashworth praised the contractors, saying: ‘They have continued to work hard and have liaised closely with us to ensure access to the school and car parking is available with only limited disruption but parents, pupils, visitors and members of the public should continue to be vigilant, patient and note temporary signage.’ The work at Clagh Vane is part of a major ongoing investment by the Department of Social Care to improve the environment and the condition of the housing on the Clagh Vane estate and the Department appreciates the patience and understanding of parents and residents alike while this work is being undertaken. Ends