A SCHOOL has spoken of its support for a council’s plans to install a desperately needed crossing on a road where two pupils were in collisions with cars.

Braintree Council’s Local Highways Panel could spend £130,000 installing a puffin crossing on Cressing Road near Alec Hunter Academy.

A feasibility study carried out found the road would be suitable for a crossing.

Headteacher of the academy in Stubbs Lane, Trevor Lawn, started campaigning in 2015 after 14-year- old pupil Jamie Mawer was injured in Cressing Road.

Jamie, of Rodney Gardens, who was in year seven at the time, said: “I broke my pelvis. I was walking to school and went to cross, I looked but I don’t know where the car came from.

“It went into my side, it was just the shock of it.”

He was treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

He said: “It definitely does need improving as there are a lot of children who cross that road.”

There is a refuge crossing on the 30mph road in Braintree, however Department for Transport guidance says crossings should be 20 metres from a side road junction, so drivers can see them clearly.

The refuge crossing is 15 metres from the junction children use to access the school.

Anna Brown, 12, of Gilbert Way, was clipped by a car on December 8.

She said: “I was walking home, I didn’t think there was a car coming so I just stepped out.

“The top of my foot was run over and my arm hit the wing mirror. I think a crossing is definitely needed.”

She was not injured, but was badly shaken up and said it could have been a lot worse.

Victoria Gandy, who was driving the car that clipped Anna, is supporting the campaign. 

She said: “It is so important for the children to be able to cross the road safely after school, it won’t be long before there is another accident.

“Thankfully I always drive slow along that stretch so no-one was seriously hurt, but the cars travel so fast along there it is only a matter of time.

“The refuge island Anna was crossing is particularly dangerous as it means children are stuck in the centre of the road. I would be very pleased to see a safe crossing.”

Initial investigations show it is a feasible option, but the existing crossing point would need to be removed.

Headteacher Trevor Lawn said: “Kids just don’t look, but I think it  would be great to have a crossing as cars tear along there. We are glad it is being considered, there is a desperate need.

“We do as much as we can through assemblies to remind students about road safety but you can never guarantee they are going to be safe.”

Peter Whent, chair of governors, said he was disappointed both councils had not acted sooner.

He said: “It is seriously needed for the safety of the children, if it saves the life of one child it’s worth the expense.”