NEW pedestrian crossings must be installed to keep school pupils safe after two deaths, according to Abingdon headteachers.

Six schools, including three secondary schools, a nursery and the town council are backing proposals for five extra crossings, including three in Faringdon Road.

However, Oxfordshire County Councils said a number of measures to improve road safety schools in the north-west of the town were on hold, because of funding cuts.

The proposed crossings are: l Faringdon Road at the junction with Wootton Road l Faringdon Road near the entrance to Larkmead School l Faringdon Road close to Abingdon School’s sports ground l At both ends of Spring Road.

The schools supporting the proposals are Larkmead, Fitzharrys, John Mason, Abingdon School, the Manor School and the School of St Helen and St Katharine.

Jonathan Dennett, Larkmead’s deputy headteacher, said the plan was drawn up after a town-wide look at pupil safety, following two cycling deaths in the past two years.

He said: “We wanted to put together a concerted approach to addressing road safety issues in the town.

“The schools came up with a series of proposals, including pedestrian crossings in Faringdon Road.

“Other proposals include curbing the speed limit and broadening the cycle lanes.”

He said a pedestrian crossing in Faringdon Road was a top priority.

Larkmead pupil Ty-Ree Partridge, 11, died after a collision with a van in Copenhagen Drive as she cycled home in July last year.

Larkmead pupil Sarah Waterhouse, 17, died after her bicycle collided with a school coach in Colwell Drive in October 2008.

St Mary’s Nursery, in Faringdon Road, is also backing calls for the crossings. Manager Sylvie Ellier-Bogue said: “There’s a lollipop lady for the school pupils but that’s for a limited time during the day and crossings would help thousands of people in the area.”

But there are concerns money for improvements might not be available.

Abingdon town councillor Colin Walters said meetings with the county council last year highlighted £100,000 of work. He said: “A new crossing in Faringdon Road would cost about £20,000 and would make a huge difference to pupils from quite a few different schools. As far as I’m aware, there has only been one accident in Faringdon Road, and that was some time ago but £20,000 would be a small price to pay for improving safety for so many children.”

County council spokesman Gemma Watts said: “We have discussed pedestrian and pedal cyclist safety with representatives of the schools.

“Outline proposals for additional signing and alterations to road markings, and possible traffic-calming measures, are under discussion with the schools in the area and Abingdon Town Council and Vale of White Horse District Council.

“The outline proposals, however, do not currently include pedestrian crossings. Due to the severe financial pressures at present, progressing these measures is currently on hold.”