A RIBBLE Valley pupil has successfully lobbied his local councillors to introduce traffic calming measures outside his school.

Joseph Taylor, 11, wrote to his local borough councillor, Ged Mirfin and the leader of the council, Coun Stuart Hirst, in January after becoming worried that the main road near his Billington school was too dangerous.

The St Augustine’s RC School pupil, who lives in Wilpshire, said he ‘never expected’ the project to get so far and that he was proud that the road was now safer.

The issue was passed to county councillor Alan Schofield who took it up with Lancashire County Council and pressed for the introduction of the traffic calming measures, which including a new 20mph zone, warning lights and a new crossing.

The new measures have now been installed on Elker Road and Whalley Road.

Joseph, who’s a member of the school’s council, said: “I’ve known of people having to sprint across the road and only narrowly missing being hit.

“The road is dangerous, especially at peak times, and I’m glad that something has now been done.”

Michael Wright, the school’s headteacher, said: “The safety of our pupils is always a priority and we were pleased with the introduction of the 20mph zone.

“The additional safety of a crossing on Whalley Road that Joseph lobbied for is a welcome addition to the safety measures that are being put in place.

“The importance of living in a democratic society is something that it taught as part of the citizenship curriculum and Joseph is a member of our school council.

“He is to be commended for using the local political process to improve the traffic calming measures around the school.”

Coun Mirfin said: “It’s very pleasing to see a young person engaging in the political process and for that person to see physical results for their efforts.”