A NEW zebra crossing is set to be created on a “dangerous” stretch of road outside a Walton school to make it safer.

Hamford Primary Academy, in Elm Tree Avenue, has long been campaigning for a crossing to help youngsters get across the road safely.

Cars often speed along the 30mph stretch, which is made more dangerous at peak times by inconsiderate parent parking, which leaves drivers and pedestrians struggling to see each other.

Teachers and pupils are now celebrating after Essex County Council agreed to put in the crossing.

Principal Benedick Ashmore- Short said: “We are very aware that it is a dangerous stretch of road there right outside the school.

“Cars sometimes go past very quickly and there have been a couple of accidents in the road, thankfully not involving children.

“There is also a real issue with some parents parking where they shouldn’t outside the school to pick up or drop off their children.

“This makes the problem worse and it reduces the visibility while cars are speeding up and down at peak times.

“It has been a real worry for us and we have worked hard over a long period of time to try to get a zebra crossing in place and make it safer.”

Tendring Local Highways Panel pushed for the plan to go ahead following Hamford’s appeals for a crossing, and made funding available.

County Hall has now confirmed the plan will go ahead after a consultation is completed on Friday.

The crossing will be near the Hamford Primary Academy vehicle entrance, about 150 metres from the junction with Edenside.

Mr Ashmore-Short added: “We have pushed and pushed because we think it is vitally important, and it finally looks like it is going to go through.

“That road needs it, the crossing is going to be put in the correct place, and I think it will make it much safer for everyone, including our children.”