'We need a way to get off the road on school run'

Parents taking their children on the school run are calling for a footpath on a "scary" country road in West Sussex.

Residents in Hurstpierpoint say Chalkers Lane is dangerous for people walking to school during rush hour because of a lack of footpaths.

They have started a petition which has more than 700 signatures calling for West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to put in a footpath and traffic calming measures.

WSCC said it understood the concerns of families and had received an application for the area under the Community Highway Scheme which it will assess once it has further information.

"It's terrible, particularly when you have children, because you're constantly vigilant. We have to wear high-vis jackets, we're constantly ducking in," said mother-of-two Ella Hodder.

The 34-year-old added: "We just need to get off the road, a safe way. There's a grass verge with room for a footpath.

"Particularly we just want to be away from the vehicles. It's really scary, your heart's in your throat sometimes. We try and not use it as much as possible."

Residents saytheir petition needs 3,000 signatures to be debated by the council.

Rob Gillespie, who has lived in the area for 30 years, said: "Traffic has steadily built up, mostly in line with the additional building of housing in the area which is welcome and needed. But traffic has built up and the amenity of the road network hasn't kept pace."

"There's footpaths in the area, we walk a lot with our dog. But this stretch is the missing link of safe passage for people walking into the village or to school."

Neerja Muncaster, 47, added: "We know everyone is trying to get their kids to school, my children are a bit worried.

"It can be really scary, people fly around the blind bend on Chalkers Lane a bit too quickly. We've had a few near misses over the years."

A WSCC spokesperson said: "We have received an application through our Community Highway Scheme for this location on 12 May and have contacted the applicant to request further information.

"Once we have this, we will assess the proposal alongside other priorities across West Sussex."

The spokesperson added requests to change speed limits would also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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