SAFE crossings have been laid down near two Tilehurst schools following a parent's campaign for the council to take action.

A mother started a petition last year demanding zebra crossings to be marked in Dee Road.

The petition was presented to Reading Borough Council, who agreed to put in a new road safety scheme in June this year.

The new scheme includes tactile paving, beacons, an anti-skid surface and two new speed cushions along a stretch of the road.

Two zebra crossings have been placed outside English Martyrs and St Michael's Schools.

English Martyrs head teacher Jamie Carroll said the staff are delighted that the parents' voices have been heard.

Mr Carroll said: "As a School, we are also grateful to our parents, led by Mrs Emma Simpson Holland who took the initiative to petition the Council about this important issue.

"It's great to see all in our community working together to ensure that the roads outside our schools are as safe as possible and that our children can travel to school without the fear of crossing the highway."

Anne Higginbotham, head teacher of St Michael's Primary, said: "We encourage our families to walk to school and many already do. These measures should increase the awareness of other road users and increase the safety for our pupils."

Councillor Tony Page, Reading's lead councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, added: "I'm delighted these two new crossings are up and running in time for the start of the new school year."

Work began on the crossings on Saturday August 8, and was completed three weeks later.