STREETS will be safer for Walney schoolchildren as a new plan to control traffic is revealed.

Championed by Walney North councillor Mel Worth, wheels are in motion to improve road safety around Walney School.

Improving safety around the school has long been discussed, but there has been no viable plan.

Cllr Worth said: “For a long while, the headteacher and Stagecoach wanted the buses to come once a day and stop at Black Butts Lane.

“We had a local meeting because it affected local residents. Residents objected because the road would be busy.”

Alongside Cllr Worth, Walney South councillor Frank Cassidy was determined local residents had their say on any changes around the school.

An alternative solution has been proposed by Cllr Worth, where double yellow lines would be painted along Sandy Gap Lane, and a traffic light installed opposite the school entrance to stop cars.

Cllr Worth said: “I spoke to the highways manager.

“I explained what I would like is an extension of the double yellow lines on both sides of the road.”

The creation of double yellows in Sandy Gap Lane would fulfil two purposes - clearing the road of traffic which causes congestion, and providing motorists a clear view of children walking on the paths.

Cllr Worth’s proposal also included a pedestrian light that will stop traffic in both directions, to allow children safe passage across Sandy Gap Lane.

Cllr Worth said: “It made sense to have a pedestrian traffic light installed, operated by members of staff. That would only happen once a day at 3.05pm.”

As well as safety measures near the school, the school bus route will be altered to alleviate congestion.

Buses will now go up Biggar Bank Road to the back of Sandy Gap Lane before picking up pupils as normal.

This will add a small amount of time onto the journey, but Cllr Worth believed it was a price worth paying.

He said: “The name of the game is protecting the children.

“There have been some near misses in the past. The bus drivers themselves have related incidents that have been very near.”

The county council is to consult with Stagecoach regarding the plans but, if approved, the measures are expected to be installed as quickly as possible.

Around £24,000 has been earmarked from the council’s school crossing budget to pay for safety schemes, however Cllr Worth said, based on discussions with the highways manager, the final cost would be “nowhere near this amount”.

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