PARENTS are claiming victory in their campaign to introduce safety measures at a school crossing.

Youngsters at St Mary’s Primary School, Saffron Walden, have been forced to “take their lives in their own hands” for six months because the school has been without a lollipop lady since January.

The crossing on Little Walden Road at the top of Castle Street has been branded “the most dangerous place to cross in town” by mothers with children at the school, and this led to the launch of a petition in May.

After receiving more than 200 signatures, Essex County Council has decided to act.

Saffron Walden’s county councillor Robert Chambers confirmed that a new lollipop person had been appointed and he hoped they would be starting within a couple of weeks.

He was also confident a mirror would be placed at the top of Castle Street “sooner rather than later” – another plea in the petition to help improve safety for people crossing the road.

One parent who has campaigned long and hard for improvements is Katrina Robinson, whose children Thomas, 11, and Emily, seven, go to St Mary’s.

She said: “From our point of view we could not have asked for any more and we are delighted that a lollipop person and a mirror will be in place soon.”

However, Cllr Chambers said he was disappointed to find out a new zebra crossing on Little Walden Road, which has just been granted �30,000-�40,000 worth of funding, would be further down than he had envisioned because the county council said it would be too dangerous at the top of Castle Street.

But Cllr Heather Asker, who has been campaigning for the crossing for almost two years, believed it made sense not only for those having to cross from Pound Walk, but also for residents of Little Walden Road.

“Many residents cross further down Little Walden Road, including a lot of disabled people, so I’m absolutely thrilled that funding has been granted.

“The crossing is going to help reduce the speed of cars coming into the town and that will make it safer for those crossing at Pound Walk, too.”