Dresden community fights to have crossing guards near schools. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent). Dresden community fights to have crossing guards near schools. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent).
Chatham

Dresden Cross Walk Saga Finally Over

Now that automatic crosswalks are installed in Dresden, one petitioner can finally rest.

When the Municipality of Chatham-Kent decided to cut funding for crossing guards in December, members of the Dresden community were outraged.

Dresden resident Jenelle Jackson Finley decided to lead a petition when she first heard the news. She says she was personally affected by council's decision to stop using crossing guards.

"It really impacted me personally. I was just nervous to think [that] students wouldn't have anyone to help them cross that busy roadway," says Finely.

She reassures that local businesses made sure the kids were safe in the meantime, by hiring a crossing guard of their own.

"Erin and Rob Burnett, they own Burn's Bakery and also Beyond Gifts and Decor, thought of the idea to hire [Jim] Cracknell until the actual lights were installed," Finely explains.

Since then, council has fulfilled its promise to install automatic crosswalk systems throughout the community.

While Finley still thinks employing crossing guards is the best way to keep the children safe, she says this solution will have to do.

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