A NEW pedestrian crossing could be installed in Pool-in-Wharfedale at the request of the village's primary school.

Road safety fear about the existing crossing on Main Street have been aired for years, but the situation reached a new low last year after the lollipop lady, Jackie Berry's, sign was knocked out of her hand by a van.

That led to the police being called in to monitor traffic and last week the Wharfedale Observer learned that Mrs Berry had resigned.

Now Pool C of E Primary School, concerned over the safety of pupils who need to cross the road, has confirmed it has asked Leeds highways officers to see if creating a new crossing on Arthington Lane would be feasible.

Head teacher Roger Bumby said: "I am very concerned about the safety of the pupils coming and going from the school and can quite understand why Mrs Berry has given up. I have actually written to her to say as much.

"I'm concerned about the safety of the children and I have had a word with Highways officers with a view to doing a survey with regards having another crossing put in outside the school.

"Another problem is that people coming out of the estate opposite the school have to walk all the way up past the White Hart pub before they can cross, and part of the pavement along there isn't wide enough for pushchairs.

"Highways officers have been out to look and have assured us they are having a survey done to see if there's a possibility of having another crossing installed outside the school."

Pool Parish Council Chairman Councillor Hazel Lee said: "I'm all for it because getting the children across the road safely is always a major concern.

"The parish council will support them all the way."

Until Mrs Berry took up the post last February, there had been no crossing patrol warden for the zebra crossing on Main Street for three years. Her predecessor, William Shears, said when he retired that the road had become too dangerous.