TWO school friends have started a petition calling for a safe crossing in Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge.

Myah Williams and Ophelia Earth-Nicklen, who are in Year 4, spent weeks gathering support from fellow pupils in the playground at Fordingbridge Junior School before an online petition was set up.

There are now more than 400 signatures on the online petition.

Myah’s mum Jo, who set up the online petition to support the pair’s efforts, says the road, particularly at the end of the school day, is getting “busier and busier”.

In a letter to Hampshire county councillor for Fordingbridge Edward Heron, Jo said: “We deem that the current unmanned patrol crossing is not clearly visible to drivers and also in too close proximity to a 40mph zone.

“We have been without a crossing patrol for over three years and during this time we have already seen an increase of vehicles in the area, this is prior to the Augustus Park development which is currently underway.

“The need is such now that a patrolled crossing is no longer suitable and a permanent crossing such as a zebra or puffin would provide a permanent solution.”

She added: “I understand a crossing will cost money, however, surely using due diligence to preventing injury or death is more worthwhile.”

Fordingbridge Junior School headteacher Kim Robertson, said: “As a school we are extremely proud of the girls who have decided to start a petition after the school has struggled to recruit an adult to help the children cross the road.

“These two girls have the safety of not only themselves but the entire community at heart and this makes us very proud. True citizens of Fordingbridge.”

The matter was raised at Fordingbridge town council’s meeting earlier this month.

The petition needs as many signatures from the local community as possible before it is submitted to Hampshire County Council. Go to change.org and search ‘safe crossing on Whitsbury Road’.