Last updated at 12:36, Friday, 15 March 2013

Pupils from two Cockermouth schools will lobby county councillors today to support two road safety schemes.

STOP: Head boy Edwin Brown, left, and year 12 representative Callum Pearson promote Cockermouth School’s campaign for a toucan crossing on Castlegate Drive after thousands of motorists were caught speeding

Cockermouth School wants a crossing installed on Castlegate Drive.

Head boy and head girl Edwin Brown and Jessica Singleton launched a campaign, backed by headteacher Geoff Walker, last October.

Pupils at All Saints School want support for their 20’s Plenty campaign, which they started in November, to improve safety near the school.

They want 20mph signs on Slatefell Drive, Windmill Lane and the Highfield estate.

Members of All Saints School council will join Edwin to present their cases at the county council’s local committee for Allerdale today.

The call for the crossing outside Cockermouth School came after thousands of motorists were caught speeding.

Town councillors Eric Nicholson and Alan Kennon have donated £750 each towards crossing design costs from money they get to spend on local projects.

It is hoped that a toucan crossing, for use by cyclists and pedestrians, can be installed before the start of the new school year in September.

Edwin, 17, of Bridgefoot, said: “We want to show how vital it is for the school and the children’s safety. We have discussed it at a number of meetings and residents are keen to see a crossing as well.”

Coun Nicholson said: “A toucan crossing is ideal. It is pretty much the last piece in the jigsaw in road safety improvements for the town.”

Twelve pupils aged between five and 11, from All Saints School’s council, will also present a poem in support of their campaign.

The school council collected a 120-name petition supporting their plea and the youngsters, many of whom live on the estate and walk to school, said they would feel safer if the speed limit was cut.

They have also received backing from Workington MP Sir Tony Cunningham.

Yvonne Dykes, year three teacher and leader of the school council, said: “The children who are campaigning could be the ones knocked over.”

First published at 12:12, Friday, 15 March 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk