TWO MPs are joining forces to highlight issues at a Rochford school where “speeding drivers” have caused “several near-misses” as children cross the road.

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, and Sir James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East visited Stambridge Primary School last week after being made aware of issues.

They were shown around the school by executive principal Don Wry and headteacher Debbie Loveless who highlighted “problems caused by speeding drivers on the bend near the school” as well as the lack of adequate parking.

Because there is no car park, parents stop outside the neighbouring church, meaning children have to walk on a narrow strip at the edge of the road – without a pavement – to reach the school entrance.

Mr Francois there had been “several near-misses”.

He added: “We both very much enjoyed our visit to Stambridge Primary School, which is right on the border of our respective constituencies. However, we were concerned to see the traffic situation and the potential hazard which this represents to pupils.

“The school’s leadership explained to us that there have been several ‘near misses’ in recent months, when speeding traffic came far too close for comfort to pupils entering the school.

“We have already raised this with Essex Police, and we have agreed to work with the school to explore what more might be done to ease the situation and help keep Stambridge pupils safe.”

According to the MPs, the school is examining possible solutions, including traffic calming measures and creating a car park, in a nearby field.

Both MPs have since pledged to make representations, including to both Essex Police and Essex County Council Highways, to see what might be done to help alleviate the situation.

Sir James added: “Visiting Stambridge Primary School alongside my friend and Parliamentary colleague, Mark Francois MP, it was clear that pupils are faced with a potential hazard while trying to access the school.

“Pupils on the School Council have written to us sharing their concerns about the current situation, and I am working alongside Mark to make representations to explore possible solutions to make the entrance to Stambridge Primary School safer for pupils.”