SAFETY for children and parents walking to school in Hatherleigh has been improved with the completion of work on new flashing lights.

The Devon County Council scheme was introduced after children, teachers and governors at Hatherleigh Community Primary identified the need for the warning lights in its school travel plan.

The lights, which will be activated at the start and end of the school day, will raise awareness and warn motorists of a well used walking route to school, with children and parents crossing the busy A386.

Headteacher Caroline Boother said: 'We are really pleased that the flashing lights have been installed in the areas identified by the children as being high risk crossings on their walk or cycle to school.

'The children were supported by the school travel plan officer Ray Pattenden and road safety officer Michael Newcombe and enjoyed surveying the danger spots around school, canvassing local opinion and producing a written action plan to improve safety in the area around their school.

'I would also like to acknowledge and thank the school governors who worked with the local authority to bring about such a positive outcome.'

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: 'These lights will provide an effective warning to motorists that children are on their journey to school and we trust that drivers will ensure they are driving within the speed limit.

'This is a great example of the school really owning the scheme to improve safety for children on their journey to school, first putting forward the idea and then being involved in making it happen through its school travel plan'.

School travel plans allow schools to identify and tackle potential risks to improve children's safety on the journey to school. The plans also look at options of reducing car dependency to cut congestion at the school gate, as well as improving the environment and the health and fitness of pupils through walking and cycling.

Cllr James McInnes, county councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford, added: 'This is an important initiative and I'm pleased the county council has been able to support it. The safety of our children is always of great concern and Hatherleigh Primary School has worked hard to achieve this result.'