A headteacher has praised a county council’s decision to take his road safety petition forward.

The Comet: A crash that occurred near The Thomas Alleyne Academy last SeptemberA crash that occurred near The Thomas Alleyne Academy last September (Image: Archant)

Mark Lewis, headteacher at the Thomas Alleyne Academy in Stevenage, said Hertfordshire County Council’s (HCC) decision to improve safety outside the school in High Street would “help ensure the safety of all our community”.

During a meeting last week, county councillors backed plans to raise the kerb and install new pedestrian barriers, as well as paint new road markings in High Street and James Way, measures which the school had called for in a petition.

Mr Lewis said: “We are delighted that our campaign has received support from the county’s highways and waste committee. The measures we have requested will help ensure the safety of all our community.

“In particular a raised kerb and safety railing will make a huge difference to the safety of our local area. We would like to thank all those who signed the petition and have supported the campaign in so many different ways. The coverage our campaign has received from the Comet has been fantastic and hugely appreciated.”Old Town councillor Amanda King said: “I’m so glad the county council has decideed to take these proposals forward. I have been personally involved in this petition for a long time and it means so much to see it finally gaining some momentum.

“I think this decision is great for everyone concerned, from young pupils to local residents, and is a win for democracy. Things can be changed when enough people show their support.”

The proposals are set to be put before members of HCC’s cabinet on February 24.