CAMPAIGNERS for road safety measures outside Worcester schools have warned councillors to take action before "the death of a child makes you listen".

Parents, pupils and teachers from Gorse Hill Primary and St George's CE Primary schools pleaded with county councillors to install safe crossing places outside their gates.

Eight pupils from St George's handed a petition with almost 300 signatures to chairman Councillor Derek Prodger.

The calls came after a nine-year-old boy was knocked over - though not seriously injured - outside the St George's Lane North school, six weeks ago.

"The request follows the accident," said Coun Mary Drinkwater. "It asks councillors to take measures to alleviate the problem and I fully support it."

After the petition was presented, parents from Gorse Hill Primary, in Hollymount Road, voiced similar concerns over a lack of effective traffic calming measures.

"The vast majority of children walk to school and every parent worries when they cross roads," said Michelle Godfrey, a parent from the school, after a full county council meeting.

"It's on a bus route with a bus stop just outside the school. There are road safety campaigns but they are only useful if there is a safe place to cross.

"It should be a priority. Don't make the death of a child make you stand up and listen."

The school currently has speed bumps and a stripe painted across the road - where children often try and cross - but the campaigners claimed they are failing to slow traffic.

Mrs Godfrey and fellow parent Helen Mansfield, who also spoke to Worcestershire County Council, had the full support of their ward councillor.

"There has been long-term concern over the danger and congestion outside schools generally," said Coun Margaret Wills.

A spokesman for the county council said: "The petition has just been handed in and officers will look at it and at the situation and it will be discussed in due course."

The authority will be reviewing speed limits and special restrictions outside schools as part of the local transport plan for 2006 to 2011.

Residents in Worcester will be able to have their say on what should be included at a meeting at the Guildhall at 6pm on Monday, February 28.