| The
work which began in February past and was completed in June,
involved a substantial upgrade to the road network including
a new road within the site, additional car parking for parents
and staff, extended bus turning area for drop off and pick
up, relocation of a hard play area with the installation of
flood lighting, placement of substantial security fencing
around the borders and road widening to accommodate increased
usage.
Another of the upgrades included re routing of traffic. Up
until June traffic had been driving between buildings of the
High School, using it as the main through road to the Nursery
School and other parts of the site. As this was a major danger
for students, it was one of the areas to be tackled immediately.
Cookstown High School Headmaster, Barry Freestone commented,
"With 2000 pupils using the Coolnafranky estate on a
daily basis, not to mention parent and staff the upgrade is
a welcome addition. We have 14 buses each morning and afternoon
in quite a small area and the traffic congestion was very
bad indeed. The new arrangements have improved things beyond
recognition".
A small official ceremony was held on Tuesday 25 September
as recognition for the time and effort put in to the programme
and to highlight the dramatic changes it has meant to all
who use the schools. Mr Aidan McGee, SELB Chief Architect
said, " I am proud to see the excellent work at Coolnafranky
estate and offer my thanks to staff and students who carried
on with the school routine under difficult situations. Finally
I am delighted that the SELB could assist in such a major
way, for the benefit of all 3 schools and their pupils".
The site is also home for Cookstown Hockey Club who share
the High School hockey pitch. Improvements have also increased
available car parking space for their supporters and visiting
teams in future matches.. |
