FOLLOWING their participation in the successful campaign to get the speed limit operating on a section of the main road that runs through the village reduced from 40mph to 30mph, pupils in Class 3 at Whitstone Community Primary School raised their concerns about the minor road, Oak Lane, that leads to the school with county representatives and officials recently.

Oak Lane was highlighted in Whitstone's Parish Plan as one of the two road-related issues arousing most concern in the village. Pupils wrote to the members of the parish council, Cllr Phil Tucker and Oliver Jones, who is the area highway manager.

Mr Jones and Cllr Tucker accepted the pupils' invitation to visit the school to listen to a presentation the children had put together about the particular road safety issues of Oak Lane that affects them, their families and other residents in the village.

The main concern of the children was that at certain times of the day the road became so congested that, there being no footpath at this point on their journey to school, those children who walked to school had to walk in the road among moving and parked vehicles. They also pointed out that it would be impossible for a vehicle of any of the emergency services to get through should an urgent situation arise.

Mr Jones appreciated the concerns the children had brought to the council's attention and promised that their suggestions would be added to the traffic request list for this area and given due consideration when funds became available.

Cllr Tucker encouraged the children to continue with their efforts, suggesting that they undertake a survey of local opinion and organise a petition. He said that he would canvass the views of the residents and others who would be affected by any proposed changes to the traffic and access management of Oak Lane. Both Cllr Tucker and Mr Jones praised the children for their efforts and encouraged them to continue to engage positively and constructively in matters that affect them and their community.

The children thanked Cllr Tucker and Mr Jones for taking the time to come to the school, and Mr Jones for his letters of response to the pupils.