A PATH is being planned to reduce the danger to children posed by traffic at a secondary school's main entrance.

The path would allow pupils to enter Easington Community School, in County Durham, a safe distance from the car park and main road entrance.

Although road safety is the main reason for the proposed path, it would also have health benefits in encouraging pupils to walk or cycle to and from school.

At present, cars, bikes and pedestrians use the same entrance, in Stockton Road, Easington Village, creating congestion and potential danger at peak times.

Durham County Council and school representatives met earlier this year to draw up a travel plan to help manage traffic around the school.

It included a range of initiatives to relieve congestion and encourage more pupils to walk, cycle or use public transport.

The county council proposes building a shelter for 40 bicycles on grassland to the south of the main school building.

A lockable steel gate would be installed, which would be opened at the start and end of the school day, attended by a member of staff as pupils arrive and leave the site.

The plan has drawn objections from seven residents, concerned at possible dangers to cyclists and pedestrians in Thorpe Road.

They also fear it would increase litter and the number of pedestrians in Thorpe Road.

Easington Village Parish Council voiced similar concerns but, following a meeting between parish officials and county council planning committee chairman Ronnie Rodgers, many of those fears have now been alleviated.

David Miller, the county council's acting environment director, said: "This scheme seeks to address road safety concerns through a range of traffic management measures.

"These may not overcome all the concerns of nearby residents, but would help alleviate traffic congestion around the main school entrance and provide a separate controlled access for pedestrians and cyclists."

The planning committee is recommended to approve the plans at its meeting, on Tuesday.