PARENTS, children and staff have celebrated the much-anticipated opening of a new pedestrian crossing outside Great Malvern Primary School.

The £40,000 project, in Pickersleigh Road, was officially opened on Tuesday (November 1).

Parents and staff have campaigned for the crossing for more than four years, voicing fears for children's safety when crossing the busy road.

Lynne Parish, whose son James attends the school, said it was brilliant to have the crossing at last.

"There have been quite a few close calls with children on this road and the crossing could save lives," she said.

"It will provide a lot of peace of mind for parents, and also elderly residents in the area."

Headteacher Jonathan Sides said it would make getting to and from school easier and safer for everyone.

"In the past it could take ten minutes to cross the road in the morning," he said. "It's a busy road with poor visibility and we faced a daily battle to cross it."

The issue had escalated after the school's crossing attendant, Stan Pratty, was obliged to retire at the age of 75 in May 2003.

A suitable replacement was never found and Mr Sides himself filled the role on occasion.

"I found it quite scary at times," he said. "Motorists would not always stop, and if they won't stop for someone in uniform then how likely are they to stop for parents with young children?"

Worcestershire County Council provided the crossing as part of a series of road improvements resulting from the continued development of Malvern Hills Science Park.

Highways Partnership manager Mike Davies said the increased traffic from the science park had justified the provision of the crossing.

"The money involved has been very well spent, as we've invested in the safety of children and parents in the area," he added.