A DETERMINED cubs group are set to deliver their pavement parking petition to Downing Street despite it being rejected by the Government.

Staindrop Cubs, in County Durham, launched a national petition calling for a ban on pavement parking across the UK in January after researching the problem in their own village.

The 28 youngsters, aged between eight and ten years old, were inspired by a visit from Christine Kay, of Guide Dogs (Darlington) and her dog Sula, after she told them about the struggles of her daily life.

Despite raising £100 for the charity to help a train a new guide dog, the cubs decided to push their campaign further, agreeing that “raising money wasn’t enough”.

They created their own posters and parking tickets which they handed out to ‘offenders’ asking them not to park on the pavement.

Although their petition only received about 300 votes and was rejected by the Government because a similar one had already been submitted, the children were undeterred and still plan to travel to London in September to personally deliver it to No.10.

Cub leader Jacqui Nicholson said parking in the village had been an issue for several years and the children were passionate about it.

“Despite not reaching the 100,000 votes they still want to have their say and raise awareness,” she said.

“They are dead excited to visit London.”

Mrs Nicholson also said the campaign had had an impact on drivers in the village.

“People are certainly more aware,” she said.

“It’s all very led by the children and we just then rein them in a little bit.”

She also said the children were also excited to meet their local MP, Helen Goodman, who has agreed to give them a guided tour of Parliament during their visit which they are still hoping to get some funds for.

Mrs Goodman said: “I am delighted that young people in Staindrop are keen to be involved in the discussion on how they would like their local area to look.

“They have raised a very important issue about pavement parking and I thought that their Facebook video was an excellent way to highlight their concerns.

“I am looking forward to their visit to Westminster so that we can encourage the Government to tackle this problem more effectively.”

To donate to the trip contact Mrs Nicholson on 01833-316244 or search for 1st Staindrop Scout Group on Facebook.