A SCHEME to stop drivers speeding past a primary school has been approved by councillors.

Four speed cushions are to be installed on Pelaw Avenue, close to Shield Row Primary, a 175-pupil school in Stanley.

Durham County Council’s highways committee backed the plan at a meeting held at County Hall, Durham, on Thursday(MARCH 4).

The two-part initiative will also see the speed limit on an adjoining part of Pelaw Avenue, a less built-up section closer to the junction with the A693, increased from 30mph to 40mph.

New markings and road signs will be installed to alert drivers of the changeover point between the two speed limits, which will be close to Cumbria Place.

Dave Wafer, from Durham County Council, said the road, also known as the C128, had been of concern to the now-defunct Derwentside District Council and individual councillors for some years, with a speed survey conducted in summer 2008.

The research showed 68 per cent of motorists breaking the speed limit outside the school, with 56 per cent doing so near Cumbria Place.

Mr Wafer said: "I feel sure a lot of those motorists are going through oblivious to it being a 30mph area.

"The measures we’re taking will help all motorists observe the speed limit."

The council consulted almost 300 residents on the traffic management proposals. Eight-five responded, with 77 backing the plans and eight objecting.

Shields Row Primary School head teacher Andrew Knighton welcomed the decision.

He said: "A survey carried out 18 months ago showed the average speed was 39mph, which means that some cars were travelling at a considerably higher speed.

"We have had one or two near misses involving our lollipop lady, while she has been helping children across the road.

"Anything that will slow the traffic will be a huge bonus. It is about time it was done."

Durham Police has given its full support.

The four speed cushions will be installed between Hillside Gardens and Causey Drive.

The scheme will be paid for from the Derwentside Councillors Initiative Fund and Local Area Measures Allowances from councillors John Hunter and Joe Wilson.

Former district councillor Tom Pattinson spoke in support of the scheme.

He said: "The people of this area do want this to go ahead, because it’s a severe problem."

Councillors also backed plans for a bus shelter to be installed at an existing bus stop adjacent to Aberwick Drive, on the Waldridge Road to Chester Moor link road, near Chester-le-Street.

A scheme to convert a parking layby outside Rendles, on Front Street, Consett, into a 24-hour loading bay was also approved.