THE mayor of Chard has said he is “very concerned” that lives are being putting at risk because of drivers failing to stop at pedestrian crossings near a primary school.

A group of mums with children at Manor Court Primary School, in Chard, have told the News they are worried that somebody is going to be seriously injured or even killed because of motorists who ignore people waiting to use the crossings at the front of the school, in Duck Lane, and in Summerfields Road.

Now the mayor, Councillor Dave Bulmer, has added his voice to the concerns and called for drivers to be more considerate and think about others when approaching crossings like the one outside the school.

“I am very concerned that some motorists are not stopping at the crossings,” he said.

“I would strongly urge that when motorists approach the crossings that they are visually aware of there being any pedestrians waiting to cross the road, and slow down and stop to allow people to cross.”

He said all crossings were important but that drivers should be extra vigilant when approaching crossings near schools.

“Highway safety is vitally important to Chard Town Council and other residents living close to all roads,” Cllr Bulmer added.

“It is even more important near a school, which this location is. I will make contact with the police with the anticipation that they can monitor the situation.

“I will also make contact with Somerset County Council who’s remit it is regarding signing and lining on the public highway.”

Mother Karen Pinney contacted the News via our social media Facebook page and said she had seen drivers not paying attention when approaching the crossing.

“A lot of drivers don’t seem to care much about stopping at the crossings – especially the one at the back of Manor Court School,” she said.

“On one day alone there were two incidents where cars failed to stop for me and my young children.

“With the current roadworks going on in the town it has made the road a lot busier and I am worried. I was starting to cross at the crossing when I had to pull back my children because a car was not going to stop.”

Another mum, Jessica Le-Fort, said she was also worried about the situation.

“It’s a nightmare – I’ve seen so many near misses. It’s scary,” she said.

Jessica said that her home was near the crossing in Summerfields Road and that it was getting so dangerous with cars totally ignoring people waiting to cross.

Parent Katherine Grimstead said that there had been a number of occasions at the crossing in Duck Lane as well, where she thought there could have been a nasty accident.

If you have concerns about the pedestrian crossings in Duck Lane and Summerfields Road or anywhere else in the Chard and Ilminster area – let us know.

You can write to us via email at newsdesk@chardandilminsternews.co.uk.