RESIDENTS are campaigning for  drivers taking a shortcut through their South Lakes community  to slow down outside their primary school before a child is hurt or killed. 

Broughton-in-Furness CE Primary School and its community has launched a campaign to highlight concerns over road safety for its 63 pupils.

A banner is to be displayed outside the school from the school urging motorists to reduce their speed from 30mph to 20mph and to stop using the route through the village to save time.

Unlike other schools in the area, Broughton Primary has no road markings or automated warning lights. Following the retirement of a long-standing lollipop person in June last year, the school also no longer has a crossing controller to guide pupils and parents across the busy road immediately outside the school.

Headteacher Jacki Graham-Kevan wrote more than six months ago to Better Highways and the matter was also raised at a meeting of South Lakeland county councillors.

Mrs Graham-Kevan said: “The school is on the brow of a hill and there are no yellow zig-zag lines to indicate our school entrance for any traffic coming past. I am really concerned for the children’s safety when crossing the road. Although I asked for the matter to be looked into urgently, I haven't even received a reply to my letter.”

A community-wide consultation last year showed that residents are deeply unhappy with the speed and volume of traffic going through the village. 

Annette Carmichael, chairwoman of the Broughton Community Plan Steering Group, said: “Around 2,000 vehicles drive through Broughton every day with the majority of motorists using the village as a short-cut. "Residents want the speed limit reduced to 20mph to lessen both the speed and volume of traffic. The current situation is dangerous - especially for our children.”

Chairwoman of Duddon Parish Council, Elaine Knowles, said: “Parish councillors have been asking Cumbria County Council for traffic calming measures for several years. The whole issue has now become even more serious. We are keen to meet with the Highways Department to discuss possible options.”

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council Highways said: "