A NEW school crossing patrol is to be placed on a busy road after pleas from parents.

Councillor Robbie Payne, Hartlepool Borough Council's transportation portfolio holder, has given the go-ahead for the crossing in the town's Throston Grange Lane after a request from two parents.

Extensive vehicle and pedestrian surveys were carried out on the road in September and the results failed to meet the nationally-agreed criteria for establishing a school crossing patrol.

But Coun Payne decided to approve the scheme after receiving representations from local ward councillor Stephen Wallace.

The two families who put in the request live in Middle Warren, the town's fastest-growing housing estate, and their children have to cross Throston Grange Lane to reach Throston Primary School.

They say more and more children have to cross the road as a result of the housing estate being developed, but increased traffic is making it difficult to do so safely.

Coun Wallace said: "Parents in this area are genuinely concerned that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross this road safely.

"Now that a school crossing patrol is to be established I am sure it will be used, reducing the number of car journeys to Throston Primary School."

Coun Payne added: "I feel there is a case for a school crossing patrol in this location.

"I feel it is important to take action to ensure the safety of pedestrians before an accident occurs."