Pupils' pedal power boosted by road safety improvements

Cyclists will also share in the improvements announced yesterday that are intended to encourage more pupils to cycle to class.

Parents of youngsters attending Hempland Primary School on the eastern side of York have been calling for improvements for some time, complaining that the existing situation makes it dangerous for pupils to cross the road.

Heworth Without's Liberal Democrat Councillor Nigel Ayre has welcomed a decision by highway bosses to carry out the safety work around the site.

Around 20,000 will be spent improving safety for pupils travelling to the school along Hempland Lane and Burnholme Drive, he revealed.

The improvements include new signs to warn drives that they are near the school as well as new dropped kerb crossing points on the area of the road with the best view.

There will also be improvements to the path in the park behind the school to allow cyclists and pedestrians to use the route safely.

These include widening a narrow section of path and removing the need to bypass a locked gate by replacing it with lockable bollards.

The improved cycle route will also get new signs to encourage more pupils to use it – and reduce congestion caused by the school run.

Coun Ayre said he was pleased that the improvements had been agreed.

"Parents, pupils and the school have been keen to see these improvements made to improve safety for those who travel to school this way.

"The road layout means it is quite difficult for pupils to cross the road and it can be quite dangerous.

"These improvements should ensure drivers are warned and the new dropped kerbs will hopefully encourage pupils to cross the road at the safest point."

Hempland Primary School opened on September 7 1999 following the merger of the separate infant and junior schools.

"We literally do have hundreds of adults and children using the footpaths and main entrances at the start and end of the day," the school said.