HUNDREDS of concerned parents have signed a petition calling for a pedestrian crossing to be installed outside a primary school.

According to Karen Korenevsky, who set up the petition, children attending Lytchett Matravers Primary School currently do not have a safe way of crossing busy Wareham Road.

The lollipop lady left at the end of 2016 and, so far, Dorset County Council (DCC) has been unable to find a replacement.

Karen said unless measures were put in place soon, she fears there could be a “tragic accident” on the road.

In the petition to DCC’S safer travel officer, Rob Camp, Karen and friend Vicky say: “The school is currently without a safe road crossing so we are here to ask for your support to convince the local council to provide one.

“Only two years ago a young boy was killed on the way to school in Canford Heath, Poole. We need to push the council to provide a safe means for our children to cross the road and get to school and avoid another tragic accident.

“The school currently has no crossing facility or reduced speed limit in place and the roads around the school get extremely congested and dangerous. This, combined with the fact that the school is located on the main road through the village, means it is essential that we put a crossing in place.”

Karen and Vicky add that Lytchett Matravers Parish Council is “now ready to consider installing a permanent crossing like a pelican crossing”, however “as this is a big investment they need us to assist with building the business case to secure investment”.

More than 300 people have signed the petition so far.

Dorset County Councillor Peter Wharf, who represents the North West Purbeck ward, said he “very strongly supported” the petition and would be taking the case to the county council.

“Wareham Road is a nightmare. One of the main issues is inconsiderate parking on the road, which makes it very difficult for children to cross,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to Michael Tomlinson MP, who lives in Lytchett Matravers, and he is very supportive of the petition.

“There hasn’t been an accident yet, by the grace of God, but it’s a very popular school and I’m trying to persuade the county council to look at this issue.”

However, Cllr Wharf added a pedestrian crossing “might be a step too far” for the council.

“They cost £150,000 to install so we’re looking at re-designing the road with something like chicanes to eradicate inconsiderate parking and also reduce speed.

“It’s a very straight road and, although there is a speed limit, people do speed sometimes.”