PUPILS are risking their lives crossing a busy road in Newent, a town councillor has claimed.

Councillor Roger Beard believes it is not a question of 'if but when' a Newent Community School pupil is struck while crossing Culver Street.

Pupils coming from Foley Road have to come down steep steps and negotiate the narrow lane with high banks on each side to get to their school off Watery Lane.

"Pupils are being encouraged to walk to school, but this should be done safely," he said.

"It does need some form of traffic calming as it has been found that some vehicles are coming through at speeds of at least 10mph over the limit.

"Highways said there has not been an accident so there is no reason to do anything.

"But we don't want to wait until something happens."

Coun Beard said traffic calming measures were needed in the lane to ensure the safety of the children.

"An off-set junction with priority for one-way traffic would slow things down," he said.

"Otherwise they could put speed humps or a camera in, although these are unpopular.

"There is a new housing estate on the way and there will be more children walking this way to school.

"Something needs to be done very quickly – I feel that strongly about it."

Newent head teacher Jane Steele said: "I support any measures that the town council and local authority can take in terms of improving road safety along the routes used by our pupils.

"This is of concern to the community as a whole."