GOVERNERS at the primary school attended by tragic youngster Leonie Shaw have written to Durham County Council in an attempt to make safety improvements on the road where she was killed.

Chairman of governors at St Andrew's Primary School, Henknowle, Alex Clements said he had asked to meet highway officials to discuss safety issues.

He said: "We are looking at safety issues for the play area near where the tragedy happened. Perhaps a new fence to replace the old wooden one or some sort of feasable barrier.''

Mr Clements said he was concerned that youngsters were putting their lives at risk by crossing the road in the same place where six-year-old Leonie was killed two weeks ago.

He said: "It is not just children as young as Leonie but people who should know better are doing it and its dangerous. It is a very busy road.''

Mr Clements said that he did not know what to suggest to try and encourage people to use a nearby bridge that goes over the busy by-pass but hoped a meeting with Durham County Council and Wear Valley District Council would help to produce ideas.

A spokesman for Durham County Council said that they would be happy to meet the governors to see if anything could be done.

He urged adults to lead by example and use the bridge.

He said: "It is sad when the adults are doing this because the children will follow.''

Meanwhile, Bishop Auckland Police have cleared away the floral tributes and cuddly toys that have been left by well-wishers.

After discussions with Leonie's mother Michelle Aldworth it was agreed that flowers that were still fresh should be laid on the little girl's grave, while the toys have been donated to the children's ward at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

Det Con Gwynn Hill said: "They had to be moved at sometime and it was getting difficult for the school kids having a constant reminder of what had occurred.

"We discussed it with Leonie's mother and we felt now would be an appropriate time to move them.

"She has said that she is very grateful for everything that everybody left at the scene.