NEW traffic safety measures have been unveiled on a road where a horrific crash left eight schoolchildren needing hospital treatment last year.

Residents in Worlingham have long been calling for a safe place to cross Lowestoft Road.

Last September, the busy road was the scene of an incident after a car mounted the pavement outside All Saints’ Church and collided with a party of schoolchildren.

Now a new zebra crossing has now been unveiled about half a mile from the spot where the crash happened.

The crossing has been funded by Suffolk County Council and is part of a package of improvements which includes new signs as people enter the village, a cycle lane, footpath and lighting improvements on either side of Lowestoft Road and a new anti-skid road surface near the crossing.

Michael Culyer, chairman of Worlingham Parish Council, said the need for a crossing had been recognised for many years and praised county and district councillor Chris Punt for making it happen.

He said: “This is something that has been ongoing for a lot of years. A parish plan was carried out in 2009 and residents clearly expressed the need for a crossing at the junction of Hillside Avenue and Lowestoft Road.

“It was Chris Punt who was really energetic in getting something done and thanks must go to him.

“He could see the safety concerns as we had an island and I felt that if you were crossing there you could be stuck in the middle with HGVs and busses coming past. This could be very frightening.

“Apart from this one there are no other dedicated crossings in Worlingham and we could really do with more. This is the old Lowestoft road and people do have a tendency to go pretty quick.”

Mr Culyer added: “This is good news for Worlingham. The crossing should slow traffic down and will provide a safe place for young and old to cross.”

Mr Punt said: “People wanted a crossing there and waited a number of years. I got on the case and pushed it through.” He added: “I think it ticks another box, now on to the next!”