YOUNGSTERS walking to school at the start of the new term will now have extra protection against speeding motorists.

A flashing warning sign has been installed in Pytches Road, Woodbridge, close to Woodbridge Primary School. It alerts any motorists driving significantly over 20mph - giving them enough time to slow down ahead of the school crossing.

The �3,000 sign was paid for from the quality of life budgets of county councillors Caroline Page, who represents Woodbridge, and Michael Bond, who represents nearby Melton. They agreed to go halves with the cost because although the school lies within Cllr Bond’s division, its catchment area covers Woodbridge.

Cllr Page said she had been working for a long time to secure the sign and was delighted it was now in place.

“I was receiving complaints from local parents in my division about the unsafe crossing that they and their children were having to make to the school,” she said. “Having discussed this with local Woodbridge town councillor Vic Harrup, parents and a governor - and bearing in mind the success of the speed-activated lighted sign I had installed in Ipswich Road a couple of years back - a speed-activated flashing sign seemed the most sensible way forward.

“Because the road was half in my division and half in Cllr Bond’s I asked if he would like to go halves, which he was more than happy to do.

“I’m hoping this will make the crossing much safer for everyone - schoolchildren, parents and anyone else wanting to cross the road. I’m proud to have taken such a central role in this very sensible piece of community working and co-operation - and hope very much it will be one of many further in Woodbridge.”

N A warning sign has also been installed in South Entrance, Saxmundham, to remind drivers coming into the town of the 30mph limit. The �2,500 scheme was funded by county councillor Rae Leighton. Meanwhile county councillor Richard Smith has funded a �2,200 scheme for a sign opposite Burch’s Close on Snape Road travelling into Knodishall.