IPSWICH: People power looks set to win the day after parents and pupils petitioned transport bosses over safety concerns on a busy Ipswich road.

County council chiefs have pledged to take note of the youngsters from Sprites Primary who say their walk to school would be less dangerous if a crossing was installed in Hawthorn Drive.

The children and their parents decided to lobby those controling the purse strings at Endeavour House after the patrol warden who previously guided children safely across the road was not replaced when he retired at the end of last term.

A petition of more than 200 signatures was handed to Suffolk Country Council during the week along with a second petition signed by school children.

Roger Fern, borough councillor for the Sprites ward and former headteacher of Sprites Primary School, supports the safety plea.

“The fact that there is no longer a patrol there makes it much more difficult and much less safe to cross the road,” he said.

“Even the warning lights that used to be turned on by the patrol to alert drivers of the proximity of a school crossing no longer flash.”

Guy McGregor, Suffolk County Council’s head of transport, said plans were in hand to create a crossing in Hawthorn Drive, similar to those at nearby Suffolk One.

“Under the Quality of Life scheme it is on the cards for Hawthron Drive and it has been for sometime,” he said.

“We all concerned by speeding traffic, especially at schools and it is something that everyone needs to be aware of.

“A new crossing will make it more friendly for pedestrians.”

n What do you think about this issue? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstar letters@eveningstar.co.uk