ROADS outside Lindley schools can finally be made safer with a £68,000 road improvement scheme.

Key to the proposals is a 20mph speed limit in George Street outside Lindley Junior and Infant Schools, and Moorlands Road outside Moorland’s Primary.

The measures, which will first be implemented at George Street, have been welcomed by locals who have spent years campaigning for the improvements.

They have campaigned to reduce the speed limit in a bid to reduce the risk of accidents posed to children by dangerous and inconsiderate parking outside the schools.

The latest proposals also include work on re-aligning the kerbing around George Street and Whitteron Close, introducing a plateau at the junction and widening the footway outside the bungalows.

Lindley Ward Clr Cahal Burke has been responsible for the planned introduction of the two schemes after concerns were raised by parents and teachers.

Clr Burke said: “This is another important step towards improving road safety near to and around our schools.”

“The key thing to understand is that these are not stand alone schemes. They are part of the joined up approach that is being taken in Lindley to keep our young people safe.

“Apart from the reduction in the speed limit, we are also looking at changes to the design and layout of the highways so that they help pedestrians stay safe and encourage sensible driving.”

Clr Burke said the schools are also looking at discouraging parents from parking illegally and promoting a walking to school.

He added: “We’re making really good progress but there is more to do. As both a local councillor and local parent being able to say it is safe for our young people to walk to and from is massively important to me.”

The measures have been jointly funded between has been secured from Kirklees Council Local Committee and the council Highways budget for 2012-13.

Elements of the scheme outside the schools which will be delivered over the next 12-18 months will include:

l Construction of new steps from George Street into the Junior School

l Re-aligning of the kerbing around George Street and Whitteron Close.

l Widening of the footway outside the bungalows and installing new ornamental fence. (agreed with Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing)

l Upgrading of street lighting to compliment the scheme.

l Blocking up of existing entrance on George Street with new section of wall.

l Provision of a new length of footway on George Street from Holly Bank Road to the new steps.

The measures have been jointly funded between has been secured from Kirklees Council Local Committee and the council Highways budget for 2012-13.