TRAFFIC on busy roads near three schools is set to be slowed down by new speed measures.

Darlington Borough Council has just completed a consultation with residents, police and bus companies to decide on a traffic calming scheme for the area around Corporation Road and Salisbury Terrace in the town.

More than 200 people gave their views to the council on how the roads, near to Corporation Road Infant, Junior and Nursery schools could be made safer.

In total £60,000 will be spent on making the two roads less dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Among the new measures that will be put along the roads will be flashing warning lights near to the school crossing point and a 20mph speed limit.

The scheme will also include 11 sets of narrow road humps, called speed cushions, along the full stretch of both roads.

As well as the speed cushions, which are passable by busses, an extended speed bump (called a raised speed table) will be put outside the main school entrance and another at the crossroads of Corporation Road, Easson Road and Bartlett Street.

A one-way system will also be introduced on a short stretch of road on Warren Street between its junction with Beaconsfield Street and Salisbury Terrace.

Nick Wallis, the council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "There has been a huge amount of local consultation on this scheme and we are delighted with the positive response we have received from local residents."

Work is expected to start at Easter once further talks and technical work has been completed.

* Grandparent John Robdrup, 68, is calling for better parking restrictions outside the entrance to the new £2m Firthmoor Primary School

Parents picking up youngsters from the school, which opened last month, can park all the way along Highmoor Road, and Mr Robdrup says the number of vehicles outside the school gates is restricting drivers and children's views of one another.

Mr Robdrup has the backing of headteacher Andrena Cabourn.

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said officers would visit the school this week to consider possible improvements.