A GRANDMA has launched a campaign to make primary school children safer on their way to lessons as they have to cross the road to school between parked cars.

Janet Dunn, 54 of York Avenue, Little Lever, started a petition to implore the council to build a zebra crossing outside Masefield Primary School in Masefield Road, which two of her five grandchildren attend.

Ms Dunn says the road is regularly filled with parked cars and that pupils could be in danger as drivers cannot see down the road.

A primary school catering for learning difficulties and autism can also be found further down the road, which once had a lollipop lady.

Ms Dunn said: "It's quite a narrow road and there's a lot of parked cars. A lollipop lady was there but she's not been replaced.

"[The children] are crossing in between the parked cars. When teachers take the children on field trips, they need a safe place to cross."

Since Ms Dunn began the campaign six weeks ago, the petition has gone from strength to strength and has now been taken up by Little Lever councillor David Evans.

Ms Dunn said: "I've got a lot of signatures now, nearly 250. [Cllr Evans] is going to set up a meeting with the council."

Head of school, Gemma Topolinski, said: "As a school, we are very grateful to our families and members of the local community for leading and supporting this campaign.

"It is an issue that is of great importance to us all, as a zebra crossing here would make the children's journey to and from school much safer.

"At Masefield the safety and welfare of our children is of paramount importance."

Mrs Topolinski added: "We are fully behind the families and communities who are driving this initiative. I would also like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to such an important cause."