Relief over safety plan near school

Safety measures on a Black Country road could be introduced within months following calls from a local school. The headteacher today said she was "hugely relieved" speed cushions and extra warning signs were planned for Whittingham Road, Halesowen.

Public notices about the proposals went out yesterday inviting comments by February 12. Council officers will take residents' comments into account before a decision is made by the cabinet.

Newfield Park Primary School and Halesowen College are both situated in Whittingham Road.

Newfield headteacher Angela Turner has previously approached the council about the need for safety measures after witnessing an accident outside the school gates.

"We are hugely relieved that our concerns have been acted on," said Mrs Turner, who has been at the school for four years.

"There was an accident in the last year where somebody was speeding. Nobody was hit and pupils had gone home but it did smash our railings. Since then, we have been talking to traffic officers. It's a really busy road."

"Any measures that can help to ease congestion and reduce speeding will be welcomed," she added.

Dudley Council spokesman Phil Parker said the moves were part of a local safety scheme.