Safety concerns in River Street, Woolgoolga raised after Councillor’s son hit by car Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 7, 2021 A lack of pedestrian safety crossings in River Street, Woolgoolga has been highlighted by Cr John Arkan, after his son was recently hit by a car at these steps located in the busy street. Photo: Emma Darbin. PEDESTRIAN safety concerns in River Street, Woolgoolga were raised by Coffs Harbour City councillor John Arkan at Council’s ordinary meeting last week, following his son being hit by a car in the street. Cr Arkan asked Council to bring its ‘Matters of an Urgent Nature’ forward from the end of the meeting to the second item of the night, so he could express his concerns about pedestrian safety in River Street, Woolgoolga. “I just want to bring some imagery to River Street in Woolgoolga, it’s a very, very busy street,” Cr Arkan stressed to Council. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “The Monday before, my son, my 18-year-old Down Syndrome boy, got knocked over by a car and is very lucky to be here with us now. “There is no safety pedestrian crossing in all of River Street, there’s an island at the front of River Street at the temple, other than that there is nothing to go from the Western side to the Eastern side. “There is however a set of stairs that are in the bank, and you step on to the road, and that’s what he did.” Mr Arkan emailed Council about his concerns, which have been referred to Council’s Traffic Committee for consideration. Council’s General Manager Steve McGrath confirmed that an open report would go to the Traffic Committee for consideration. After addressing Council on the matter, Cr Arkan left the Council meeting to be with his son in hospital. Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight stated, “We’re all very, very sorry that that’s happened to your son.” By Emma DARBIN Cr John Arkan.
