A PETITION calling for safer crossings around schools in Pendle has collected 270 signatures.

Mum-of-two Nicola Birtwell, of Venables Avenue, in Colne, organised the petition which primarily called for a crossing for pupils along Byron Road, Keighley Road and Skipton Road.

The petition was handed over to Pendle mayor Coun Smith Benson, and has since been passed on to highways chiefs at Lancashire County Council.

Mrs Birtwell said: “Thank you to all of you who took the time to sign a safer road crossings petition. It's a positive sign that all three political parties are supportive.

“However it is a concern that although many of the public have supported the petition and clearly agree there is a need for safer road crossings to be in place, that the budget may be inadequate, and will be as stated merely considered as other areas are prioritised for funding if there has been a record of injuries.”

Councillors have backed the calls by saying Pendle representatives should have a greater say on such issues.

Coun Ann Kerrigan, who represents Colne’s Horsfield ward for the Liberal Democrats, said: “Children’s lives are really being put at risk going to school.

“All of our traffic issues are decided by the local traffic liaison group which does not have any representatives from Pendle Council.

“At the very least the chairman of every area committee should be members as they will be able to represent the views of the area.”

Coun Graham Waugh, Conservative chairman of Colne area committee said: “For the past two years we have been banging on about this to get someone to talk to us.

“I think the best way is for our council leader to talk to the county council’s leader.”

Councillors agreed to back a formal approach to the county council over traffic liaison issues and Coun Kerrigan was urged to draw up a scheme for the highways authority’s local safety scheme process.