A child will be killed unless a suitable crossing is installed on a busy school route.

That is the opinion of Maryport Town Council who have asked the county council to carry out an urgent traffic survey on the A594 from Netherhall Corner to Dearham.

Councillor Linda Radcliffe said speeding motorists and the amount of cars and lorries make the entire road a danger but she is especially concerned by the combination of traffic and the behaviour of children walking home from Netherhall School on the Ellenborough Road.

"They are on a single pavement on the railway bridge at the junction of the A594 and Mealpot Road.

"I am really anxious something will happen. It is horrendous for young mothers with prams or for the school students. The students will often dash across the road. It is frightening. We need at least a pelican crossing - somewhere where they can cross safely."

Councillor Martin Wood said the speed along the lane was horrendous "even at 2 o'clock in the morning.

Councillors are also concerned that a controversial plan for a 15-home housing estate on Marsh Terrace will further exacerbate the problem.

"It will lead to more cars coming off that narrow road onto the A584," council chairman .

Maryport man Bill Barnes who travels the route most days, said it was one of the worst junctions in the town.

"The roundabout leading from Mealpot Road onto the A594 is horrendous. Visibility is limited. You have cars coming from three directions in a very small area with just the one pavement on the other side of the road. It is a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

"It is especially bad if you are turning right from Mealpot Road towards Dearham. If a child is crossing there your chance of seeing them is very limited.

!I am delighted the council is trying to do something about it," he said.

The council has written to the county council asking for an urgent traffic survey along the stretch of the road and that they come up with a safety plan.