HIGHWAYS chiefs have bowed to pressure from schoolchildren in Northleach and agreed to look into installing a new crossing in Market Square.

Proactive pupils from Northleach Primary School decided the town centre was too dangerous and conducted a survey on whether a crossing would be a good idea.

Now Gloucestershire Highways is using the research to form the basis of plans for the market town.

Headteacher Debby Harris took the children into the streets where they collected data from local residents about the idea of a new crossing.

Mrs Harris said: "A class of 24 children from Year 4 collected information and did surveys by speaking to shoppers and people in the market place.

"They asked them what they thought of different strategies for traffic control."

The children found the preferred route for a crossing was between Doctors Lane and the War Memorial.

Mrs Harris said: "It was a good idea for the children because it was a real data collecting exercise that they will be able to see the results of.

"They used a tally chart to summarise the data and this was sent to the town council to form part of its discussions."

And their work was obviously valuable as Gloucestershire Highways has since proposed a crossing in Market Square, which will be discussed by the town council at its next meeting.

Town council clerk Caroline Braidwood said: "The town council's traffic calming group has been looking into road safety in the town.

"But a lot of the children use that route to walk to school so it relates to them too."

Town councillor Keith Blundell said: "We are delighted Gloucestershire Highways has recently responded with an outline proposal.

"This requires consideration by the town council and consultation with residents."