Motorists using a narrow lane through the village of Ranton as a short cut to avoid a long diversion caused by road works are putting children's lives at risk claims a leading Councillor this week.

Councillor Barry Stamp said he was extremely concerned that motorists using Stocking Lane and Bourne Avenue in Ranton as a means of avoiding the long official diversion caused by the temporary closure of the Woodseaves Road were travelling at excess speeds as they passed the entrance to the village school.

"All Saint's First School is situated on the very edge of the village at a point where the very narrow Stocking Lane joins Bourne Avenue. At school's opening and closing times this area is very busy with parents taking their children to school, either on foot or by car. However since last Thursday, when the Woodseaves Road was closed more traffic is using this road as motorists attempt to find a quicker route around closure. The problem is particularly bad in the mornings as the school opening times correspond to the morning workers rush hour. On Thursday and Friday I was contacted by both the school and a number of parents who were concerned that drivers were travelling far too quickly along the road, and that if nothing was done someone would be killed. It is obvious that, when the County Council planned the official diversionary route, no thought was given to motorists ignoring this and using the 'rat-run' in front of the school. Having spoken to the County Council it appears nothing can be done to stop this happening, although they have erected temporary warning signs making drivers aware of the potential danger. I have also asked the police if they could put an officer on duty outside the school during the morning period to monitor the situation and, if necessary take action against motorists who break the speed limit or drive dangerously. However, until the Woodseaves Road is open again, I would ask all parents and everyone using the road past the school to be especially careful," said Cllr Stamp.