A political row has erupted after an opposition councillor claimed the council failed to deliver on children’s safety.

When Woodbridge High School in Woodford Green was expanded in 2014, attached planning conditions stated another pedestrian crossing had to be installed to accommodate extra pupils.

After two years of no action, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Roding Gwyneth Deakins organised a protest pressurising Redbridge Council to install the extra pedestrian crossing near the Gordon Road junction of St Barnabas Road.

But the council has hit back with claims that Cllr Deakins’ determination to have the crossing installed at her preferred location is what has caused its delay.

Cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Elaine Norman said: “The delay has occurred because Cllr Deakins preferred site location differs from that which has been agreed by the Highways Department and the School.

“Cllr Gwyneth Deakins has, herself, caused the delay, meaning her protest and information to residents and parents is ill-informed and does not reflect the true nature of the situation.”

The council claims the Highways Department survey shows the best location for the crossing is nearer the school’s entrance on St Barnabas Road, but Cllr Deakins maintains more people cross further down, near Gordon Road.

She said: “The fact that there is a protest shows that people do want the crossing near the junction. And I am simply representing the views of local people, as is my job.

“These claims are disgraceful, outrageous and wrong.”

Cllr Norman also claimed Cllr Deakins’ protest is a political point scoring exercise ahead of the Roding by-election on May 5.

She said: “Political point scoring at the expense of our children should not and will not be tolerated by the council.”

Cllr Deakins denies the claims, maintaining that she has been asking questions and putting pressure on the council on the issue for the last two years, long before the by-election was announced.

Council leader Jas Athwal added that the Roding ward councillor’s actions were ‘hypocritical’ and ‘diabolical’ and that two potential crossings are now being considered by the council.

Cllr Deakins said: “Two crossings being installed is news to me.

“If they are doing that it’s a step in the right direction, but they’re only doing it now because they don’t like being pressurised.”

A protest will take place at 3.50pm tomorrow (Thursday April 14) near the Gordon Road junction of St Barnabas Road in Woodford Green.