A school which has launched a petition in a bid to improve road safety has been told it would have to fund one of the proposals itself.

Mark Lewis, headteacher at The Thomas Alleyne Academy in Stevenage, has been told by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) the High Street school would have to pay for the installation of a raised kerb.

It is one of three proposals outlined in the school’s petition, which Mr Lewis started last month and has so far gained more than 700 signatures.

The petition also calls for the introduction of improved road markings and a reduced speed limit.

“This is something that was a problem long before I was here and I don’t intend to let it go on,” he said.

“It is a very important issue and it should not be ignored any longer. This is why we feel decisive action needs to be taken now.

“When we brought this to the county council, we were told that the school would have to foot the bill for the raised kerb. When you consider how many accidents have occurred here and the level of risk this presents, I think it is the council’s responsibility to step in and look out for the wellbeing of residents and children attending our school.”

Mr Lewis has now written to HCC requesting that the petition be put before either full council or the highways and waste panel.

A spokesman for HCC said: “We have had discussions with representatives from the school in the past and appreciate their concerns about the risks of driver errors on this road. We advised them previously that the best solution is to raise the kerbs at the old access to the school. We’ve contacted the school to remind them of this and offered to meet them to discuss how this work can be funded.

“In addition, the section of the road where a vehicle left the road recently was already scheduled for resurfacing, which took place from October 16. This resurfacing work has improved the road surface and reduced the risk of drivers losing control of their vehicles.

“We would like to remind motorists to always drive at an appropriate speed and consider the safety of all road users, including pedestrians.”

The school’s business manager, Michelle Harris, held a meeting last night at Springfield House in High Street for businesses which are also concerned about the road

To view the petition, visit www.tas.herts.sch.uk