DESPITE being told that Thurrock Council has no intention of adding to the crossing facility outside Aveley Primary School, campaigners are continuing to press for traffic lights to be put in place as a further safeguard for children on the busy Stifford Road.

Thurrock Nub News reported this week on efforts by volunteers from the Aveley and Kenningtons Community Forum to mount their own crossing patrol in the continued absence of a lollipop lady through ill-health.

They were reacting to a near miss when a van cam close to colliding with children, but after just one session they were ordered to stop by Essex Police following complaints via Thurrock Council.

Despite that, the forum, led by chair Teresa Webster, continues to call for safety improvements - even though she says the council have told her they will not be implementing any changes.

"Does it take a child to be injured or even killed for them to see there's a problem?" said Mrs Webster. "We will continue to fight for some improved safety measures at this place - and for more traffic controls on the whole of Stifford Road which is badly affected by large lorries passing through what should be a restricted area and cars and vans continually speeding. It seems the council just doesn't care but we will keep fighting until they do."

The forum has launched an online petition calling for a zebra or pedestrian crossing to be placed outside the school. It can be found here.

A spokesperson for Aveley Primary School told Thurrock Nub News: "The school is working with all parties to seek a resolution."

We asked Thurrock Council: "Can the council please say what action it is taking on making this potential accident spot safe in the absence of a traffic lollipop lady?" but there has been no response.