A CAMPAIGN by parents and pupils has lead to road safety improvements outside a school.

New road markings and a speed bump have been installed outside St Peter’s Roman Catholic Primary in Mill Hill, Blackburn.

Dad Neil Harris contacted ward councillors Damian Talbot and Jim Smith over concerns over unsafe driving putting children at risk.

He was particularly concerned about pupil safety at drop off and pick up time at the school in Hawkins Street.

The two Labour councillors looked into the issue and following liaison with the school, were able to use road safety funds to introduce a traffic calming scheme which is now in place.

Head teacher Ann-Marie O’Neill said: “We are all delighted that the speed bump and zig zags have been installed.

"The parents led by Mr Harris really made this happen and the children and ward councillors really got behind it as well.

"It is great knowing that together we have improved safety outside the school.”

Cllr Smith said: “I want to commend the parents at St Peter’s for bringing this to our attention and I am very glad we could do something about it.

"I hope this makes drivers think a bit more and slow down – no-one should be driving too fast, especially near a school.”

Cllr Talbot said: “The safety of pupils is the most important thing for any school and this will make a big difference.

"Parents and pupils really led this whole campaign and they should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

"We received numerous complaints about speeding traffic in the area around Hawkins Street, Queen Victoria Street and Bower Street, all of which was placing local children at risk – particularly in the morning and afternoon when parents were dropping off and collecting their children.

"A site meeting was arranged with then head teacher, Mike Duxbury, and the various options were discussed. "It was agreed that measures to create a proper school crossing and to reduce the road width would make a big difference and I am pleased to see the new scheme now in operation.

"Children at the school have commented that it is now much easier to cross the road and they feel far safer’.