THOUSANDS of pounds have been dedicated to improve safety outside a school following a road traffic collision.

New safety measures are set to brought in on a road outside Askam Village School after councillors voted through plans worth £10,000.

Members of Cumbria County Council's local committee for Barrow made the decision following concerted efforts by councillors, fire and highways officers and the school's headteacher to improve safety.

Askam councillor Ben Shirley said it was 'a miracle' no-one other than the driver was injured after a serious collision outside the school on December 11 last year.

A Citroen was understood to have collided with one or more parked vehicles in Lots Road.

A report presented to the committee said: "A road traffic collision (RTC) in December 2019, which fortunately did not lead to any casualties except the driver, led to a site visit at the end of January 2020 with Councillor Shirley, the headteacher of Askam Primary School and the Traffic Management Team Leader.

"A number of points were considered in connection with the RTC and also general safety around the school.

"A list of items were discussed for further consideration including; pedestrian guardrail outside school, raising an unrequired dropped kerb, undertaking traffic monitoring, renewing some signage and the school Keep Clear signs, considering school flashing lights and crossing points in accessing the school.

"The priorities were considered to be the pedestrian guardrail to protect the entrance / exit points to stop children spilling out onto the road, undertaking traffic monitoring to inform other measures, renewing some signage including the School Keep Clear and school flashing lights.

"The estimated cost to make these changes is £10,250.

"It is recommended that these be strongly considered for the improved safety of access to and from the school for pupils and parents."