Pupils have been praised for their part in a successful campaign to improve road safety outside their North-East village school.

The youngsters from Hurworth School wrote letters to their MP, Paul Howell, during Road Safety Week in December, calling for traffic-calming measures, including a 20 miles per hour limit.

Mr Howell contacted Councillor Lorraine Tostevin, who represents Hurworth on Darlington Borough Council, alongside Cllr Paul Walters, and the pupils’ views were added to a consultation exercise amongst villagers.

The MP has now written to the school, saying: “All the letters received were beautifully written and personally signed, and I am very grateful that you have written to me to make me aware of the very important issue of road safety near your school. Your collective powers of persuasion have worked."

The Northern Echo:

Mr Howell followed up his reply by visiting the school, along with the two village councillors, to talk about the campaign’s success and the importance of young people engaging in the political process.

He told them: “You did exactly the right thing in writing to me and making your voices heard. Your letters helped make sure that the safety work is carried out in the right way.”

Cllr Tostevin announced that the safety measures will be implemented during the summer holidays. They will include: a 20mph speed limit outside the school; yellow lines; speed humps; and a new crossing.

Parents picking up their children are being urged to use designated car parking at Hurworth Grange Community Centre, instead of parking on Croft Road.

Cllr Tostevin said: “Lots of views were expressed during the consultation exercise when it was launched 18 months ago, and pupils’ letters reinforced the message about the importance of bringing in these changes. It’s a great example of how young people can get involved in making a difference in their local community.”

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Cllr Walters, who has two children at the school, added: “It’s wonderful to see the school taking such a responsible approach to road safety and involving the children.”

Pupil Bella Murphy, 16, said the safety improvements were badly needed, adding: “Cars sometimes go really fast past the school, and it’s dangerous, especially for the younger kids.”

Assistant headeacher, Samantha Reilly, said: “It’s lovely to see local politicians engaging with the school, so students can see how their views were taken into account.”