THURROCK MP Jen Craft has met with residents and local schools to propose a solution to parking and driving concerns along Mill Lane in Grays during drop-off and pick-up times.

The meeting came after a young child was hit by a car prompting Mrs Craft to demand urgent action from Thurrock Council.

Although the student was not seriously injured, several parents and residents have reported similar incidents or near-misses over recent months. The Student Council at Harris Academy Mayflower also raised the issue with the borough MP.

In response, Mrs Craft has teamed up with local councillors to propose the implementation of a School Streets scheme - a national initiative which allows road closures in the morning and mid-afternoon, whilst children are walking to and from school.

Under the scheme, only residents would be allowed to drive down the road during these busy times, putting a stop to the daily chaos.

Parents will still be able to access local schools via the front entrance, or if they prefer, can walk up the lane to drop their children off at the back gate.

Meeting attendees included residents, representatives from Harris Academy Mayflower and Harris Primary School, as well as students and parents.

Cllrs Aaron Green and Sue Shinnick, whose wards in West Thurrock and Chafford Hundred encompass the school, were also present.

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Mrs Craft said: "It was great to have so many people present at this meeting, to discuss how we can make Mill Lane safer for residents and school students alike.

"Once the Safer Streets scheme is up and running, we should see a real change in the number of cars on the lane during school drop-off and pick-up times.

"With residents, parents, and the school community working together, I'm hopeful this will be a lasting solution to the chaos of recent years."

Harris Primary Mayflower Executive Principal added: "We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with our local MP Jen Craft, alongside parents and local residents to discuss Mill Lane and the School Streets Scheme.

"It was a very productive and insightful meeting, and we will continue to support the implementation of the scheme around Harris Primary Academy Mayflower to make our pupils' journeys to and from school every day as safe as possible."