PLANS to install a large-scale drop off point for parents at a Rossendale school have received a huge boost.

Northern Primary School could soon feature a designated area for children to be dropped off at peak times in Burnley Road, Weir.

It follows a campaign to make the school-run safe for children which has been backed by senior county councillors.

Calls were made for action to be taken on the road after parents feared for the lives of youngsters going to and from school.

County Coun Jimmy Eaton said: “That part of the road is an accident blackspot and I have been investigating it for around two years.

“Back in 1976 the borough council actually bought a strip of the land opposite the school in the fields which is about 12 feet wide and runs from Dog Pits Lane right up to 93 Burnley Road.

“I have had support from the head teacher, and also the highways team at county council, to install the drop off area which would not be a car park but just an action to reduce the rush during peak hours.

“I have to wait for the borough council to confirm funding issues before we can go ahead and widen the path for installation.”

The school, which currently has 180 pupils on its register, is located just off the A671 Burnley Road.

Burnley Road which runs through Weir was named as one of the most dangerous roads in Rossendale last October with 187 injuries from road accidents between 2004 and 2008, according to county council figures revealed at a Lancashire Local Rossendale meeting.

Headteacher Felicity Simpson is fully behind the new plans.

She said: “In the past regular meetings have been held with the council to introduce traffic calming measures and cameras, but unfortunately nothing came from them.

“The school is situated on an extremely busy main road and parking is limited due to residents driveways on one side of the road.

“Vehicles do pass by at high speeds so the fact that a county councillor is looking to bring this in is a good thing and we fully support it.”