SCHOOLCHILDREN are pushing forward with its crossing campaign after figures revealed there had been a dozen crashes there in the last decade.

Year 5 pupils at Templars Academy, in Witham, launched a campaign in December to get a crossing installed in Cressing Road since their long-serving safety crossing officer stepped down.

The children have been doing their own research and have reached the conclusion that an electric crossing will be the safest option.

However, Essex County Council has reiterated it is looking for a replacement officer.

Headteacher Sarah Stevenson said: “What we have always said is we fully appreciate the policy, but it leaves our schoolchildren vulnerable.

“It’s not just them it’s the whole community. Even if we have a crossing patrol, it’s brilliant at school times but that’s it.

“The Year 5s have been down to the town council and they went to the meeting where they presented their case and councillors voted unanimously to take the plans forward.

“They spoke in an assembly at New Rickstones Academy about what they have been doing and to talk to the geography department.”

Students from Southview School, Elm Hall Primary School and New Rickstones Academy have joined the campaign by lending their support and investigating ways forward.

The students contacted MP Priti Patel to make her aware of their concerns and she has now contacted Essex County Council to resolve the issue. She said: “Since a speed camera has been installed on Cressing Road, there have been a total of 12 collisions and 14 casualties.

“This averages out at 1.2 collisions and 1.4 casualties every year which is deeply concerning. It would be unforgivable if these fateful statistics became a reality for one of the pupils, or indeed their family, on the way to school. I have contacted Essex County Council asking them to support the pupil’s campaign.”

To sign the petition visit Templar’s Academy.