VILLAGERS who have to cross a busy road to reach their local primary school are calling on highway chiefs to lower the speed limit.

But so far, the demand for the 60mph limit to be reduced to 40mph on the A177 through Shincliffe Village, on the outskirts of Durham, have been rejected.

People who live on the opposite side of the road to the school say they take their lives in their hands when they cross the road to take their children to and from Shincliffe Primary School.

They want a lower maximum speed on that stretch of road, bringing it in line with other sections of the A177.

They say the hazards of the road were highlighted by a recent three-car accident that claimed the life of an 18-year-old from Sedgefield.

Among the campaigners for the 40mph limit are Lisa and Tim Cunliffe, of Station Cottage, who have children aged six and three.

"There are 18 children on this side of the road, most of whom need to cross the road to get to school. It is an extremely busy road, particularly at rush hour, and you are literally taking your life in your hands when your cross it,'' said Mrs Cunliffe.

"Ideally, we'd like some kind of pedestrian crossing, but they won't do that. We have been writing for about a year to Durham County Council - our parish council has done everything that it can - but they don't seem to want to listen.''

Mrs Cunliffe said there was a 40mph limit farther up the road, near High Shincliffe, but there was no footpath.

"There is a constant stream of traffic and sometimes you get people tearing along at 80 or 90mph. It is absolute madness.''

A spokeswoman for the county council said officials felt that a lower speed limit on the road could not be justified.

"We have written to the people who want a reduction and who approached us some time ago asking for a reduction in the 60mph limit.

"After carrying out a site visit in conjunction with the police, and after considering all the issues, our view, and that of the police, was that a 40mph limit could not be sustained on that stretch of road.''