A NEW zebra crossing will be installed near a Clevedon school following a campaign backed by hundreds of parents concerned for their children’s safety.

North Somerset Council will begin work on August 20 to create the crossing in Strode Road, outside Mary Elton Primary School.

The �21,000 scheme will provide a safe crossing place for schoolchildren and parents as well as pedestrians using the Southern Ring Path.

In December 2010, more than 600 people, including teachers at the school, signed a petition started by mum-of-two Debbie Henley whose children attend Mary Elton.

At the time, she and other parents were concerned about the number of drivers who would not bother stop to allow them to cross the busy road, even when they were stood on the island in the middle.

Debbie was backed by North Somerset councillor for Clevedon’s west ward, Chris Blades, who lobbied council staff for the creation of the crossing.

He said: “My work as a councillor was to take her wishes forward and see if we could get it done, and here we are.”

The work is due to last for a week and Strode Road will be closed while the existing island in the middle is removed and new ducting and drainage are also installed.

Cars will be diverted along Millcross and Yeolands Road during the closure.

Balfour Beatty and SSE Contracting will carry out the work on behalf of the council.