A HEADTEACHER in Ledbury said he is concerned about the safety of students as drivers speed near the school.
John Holmes, the headteacher of John Masefield High School, said speeding and a high volume of traffic on The Southend and Mabel's Furlong, where the school is based, are ongoing issues.
He has echoed calls from locals residents and Councillor Stef Simmons, to address these concerns.
"Many of our children walk to and from school each day, which is fantastic for their health and the environment," Dr Holmes said.
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"However, the pavements around the school are narrow in places, particularly along The Southend, and the speed and volume of traffic on these roads continues to be a concern.
"We are keen to support and encourage measures that improve the safety of our children to and from school."
Cllr Simmons, who represents Ledbury South on Herefordshire Council, said she will be raising these issues to the Highways department after receiving a petition from local residents.
"Speed data from the council and police also show average speeds in excess of 30mph in proximity to the school," she said.
"Residents have submitted a petition to me asking for these issues to be addressed and I have drafted a traffic regulation order to be considered by Ledbury Town Council, before forwarding to Herefordshire Highways engineers."
In addition to speeding, she said the number of cars parked on The Southend is making it difficult for larger vehicles to get through, leading to some motorists mounting the narrow pavements.
"The issue of parking along the length of The Southend and into Mabel's Fulrong preventing passing places for buses, leading to vehicles mounting the narrow pavement to allow passing," she said.
"There are also delays at Top Cross when buses are trying to access the school with insufficient space for passing."
A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council said: “Herefordshire Council is committed to making the streets and roads around our communities safe and accessible for everyone. This year, the Council has invested £1.2 million in the City and Market Town Public Realm Investment programme, which provides funding to town councils to support local highway maintenance and public space improvements.
"This includes work to improve accessibility, road conditions and opportunities for active travel such as walking and cycling. Council officers are working closely with town councils, including Ledbury, to help identify practical and affordable projects that can be delivered locally.”
