Four schools in the South Bank area will close early on Friday because of expected crowds and traffic disruption linked to the funeral of an A66 crash victim.
The funeral of 23-year-old Jakub Matusiak is expected to draw large numbers of people to Middlesbrough.
School leaders made the decision after discussing the potential impact with Redcar and Cleveland Council.
A66 Crash Killed Seven People
The fatal crash happened on 22 August near South Bank.
A Volkswagen Passat travelled in the wrong direction on the A66 dual carriageway before colliding head-on with a marked police car.
Seven people died in the crash.
The victims included five young men in the Passat and two police officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.
Schools Warn Parents About Disruption
South Bank Primary School and Outwood Academy Normanby are among the schools closing early.
Archway Academy in Teesville will close at 11:45 BST. St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary School in South Bank will close at 12:15.
South Bank Primary said the decision was made to protect the safety and wellbeing of pupils.
School leaders also warned that some children could feel upset or anxious because of the funeral and the events surrounding the crash.
The school said its pastoral team would be available to support pupils.
Large Crowds Expected in South Bank
The funeral is due to take place at St John’s Church on Normanby Road.
Head teachers expect large crowds in the surrounding area. As a result, traffic could become particularly heavy during the afternoon.
Outwood Academy Normanby’s principal, Mark Robinson, said the school agreed to the early closure after discussions with other head teachers and the council.
Meanwhile, Redcar and Cleveland Council said the Mackenzie Thorpe Centre would remain closed throughout Friday.
Police Prepare Public Safety Plan
Cleveland Police expects significant traffic disruption between 15:00 and 17:00 on Friday.
Superintendent John Wrintmore said the disruption could affect South Bank, Normanby Road through Teesville, Ormesby, Marton and Acklam Road.
Police are working with local highways teams to manage traffic and reduce delays.
They have also prepared a wider public safety plan for the gathering.
MP Calls for Schools to Stay Open
Conservative MP Laura Trott has called on Education Secretary Lucy Powell to ensure that schools remain open.
The shadow education secretary also called for enough police resources to protect schools and local communities during the funeral.
However, local schools and the council said they had considered the likely effects on pupils, staff, families and school transport before making their decision.
Previous Vigil Was Followed by Disorder
The early closures come after a vigil for another crash victim was followed by disorder in Haswell, County Durham, last week.
Several cars were set on fire during the incident.
The disorder prompted criticism from MPs and police.
Authorities are therefore taking precautions ahead of Friday’s funeral as large crowds are expected.
Police Investigation Continues
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said the Volkswagen Passat was believed to have been using cloned registration plates.
The police watchdog also said officers had pursued the vehicle until about 10 seconds before the fatal collision.
Meanwhile, police have launched a wider operation targeting organised crime following the crash.
A total of 27 people have been arrested as part of the investigation.
Community Faces Another Difficult Day
Friday’s funeral will bring renewed attention to the devastating A66 crash and the families who lost loved ones.
For local schools, the priority is keeping pupils and staff safe while allowing the funeral to take place peacefully.
Police and council officials will monitor the situation closely.
With large crowds expected, authorities are urging people to plan ahead and expect delays across parts of South Bank and surrounding areas.
