PUPILS from Osborne School in Winchester took their campaign for a safe crossing on Andover Road all the way to Parliament.

The group met local MP Steve Brine to discuss the crossing, as well as seeing the Houses of Parliament.

The instillation of the puffin crossing was agreed with Hampshire County Council last year as a priority, and work is due to start sometime in 2012/13.

A feasibility study is underway looking at locating a puffin crossing to the south of the junction with Athelstan Road.

Mr Brine said: “I am delighted that the children from Osborne School had such a good time, and I was subject to some very challenging questions. I have been involved in their crossing campaign for some time now and while it’s good news we have got this far, we now need to finish the job and get it in place.

“This is important for the school but also for residents who live next door and many others who cross Andover Road at this point. We should remember this stretch of road will only get more dangerous if 2,000 houses are built less than a mile up the road (at Barton Farm).”

Osborne teacher Penny Parkinson said: “The children really enjoyed their trip to Westminster.

“Our time with Steve munching our sandwiches was brilliant, he really engaged us all and answered the questions so well. It is so important for us that this crossing is put in place soon because, without doubt, the most dangerous part of the whole journey to London from Winchester was crossing Andover Road!”