PARENTS at Winchester’s newest school are pressing council leaders for a new safe crossing in Andover Road.

They say lives are put at risk every day as they cross the busy road to Barton Farm Primary Academy, which opened last month.

MP Steve Brine joined a group of mums and headteacher Nicola Wells on the school run to see for himself the problem.

Catherine Defty, who is leading the push, contacted the Mr Brine for help, and said: “We are in the extremely lucky position to be able to walk our children all the way to this beautiful new school. However, all the benefits of this are placed at risk everyday due to having to cross the busy Andover Road.

“A fatal combination of the 50mph speed limit, no accessible crossing and poor visibility is an accident waiting to happen. An accident that even an adult would have less than a 5 per cent chance of surviving.”

Mr Brine added; “The Barton Farm development rightly has a new school at its heart but it serves a wider catchment and that means parents have to cross from Weeke and Harestock every day at a spot few ever did before. This part of Winchester is now heavily residential, on both sides of the road, and that is only going to increase as new houses come online.

“It is fairly obvious we need something new at this part of Andover Road because without a crossing, and very possibly a lower speed limit, we could be one moment away from a very nasty accident.”

The MP recognised existing efforts undertaken by nearby Headbourne Worthy Parish Council, local councillors and nearby residents who themselves plan to petition Hampshire County Council next month.

Nicola Wells said: “We have a strong focus on sustainability at Barton Farm. We are actually seeking 'Eco Schools' accreditation so I am thrilled that so many of our families choose to walk, scoot or cycle to school to protect the environment and to support a healthy lifestyle.

"It is vitally important that our young families have a safe route to school each day and a crossing on the Andover Road would really help”.