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Girls collect petition opposing bus lanes

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Two girls have handed in a petition against plans for bus lanes on a main road.

Ellise Smith, 10, and Natalie Field, nine, said proposals for bus lanes along the A426 between Blaby and the city centre could make the route too dangerous for pedestrians.

They said pavements would be narrowed to accommodate the buses and this could lead to accidents for those trying to walk to and from school in the rush-hour.

The girls, who are pupils at Glen Hills Primary, Glen Parva, felt so strongly about the proposals for Aylestone Road, Lutterworth Road and Leicester Road they asked their head teacher to help them launch a petition.

Yesterday, they handed their 160-signature document to the county council.

Ellise said: "I'm worried about safety.

"My mum said I would be able to walk to school when I reached year six, but because of the pavements being too small, I might not be able to now.

"It could be too dangerous and I don't think that's good.

"I feel proud to have helped with this petition."

Natalie said: "I walk to school now but I don't want it to get too dangerous to do that.

"If the pavements are smaller, then it will be."

The girls gathered the signatures from fellow pupils.

They handed the petition, to Councillor Lesley Pendleton, cabinet member for transport.

Head teacher Tim Sutcliffe said: "The pupils approached me with their views and we commend them for wanting to get involved.

"We gave them a platform to promote their petition in school because we think it's important young people's opinions are listened to.

"It's a topic a lot of people are talking about, including our pupils."

Campaigners from Glen Parva and Aylestone Action Group have argued the bus lanes would not tackle congestion and would be a waste of money.

A 4,000-name petition has already been gathered.

The £5 million scheme, which would be implemented next year, is designed to cut bus journey times and encourage people to use public transport.

A consultation closed at the end of October and Leicestershire County Council's cabinet is due to make a decision on December 18.

Coun Pendleton said: "I was more than happy to accept the petition from pupils at Glen Hills.

"I'm happy to listen to their concerns and although the consultation has finished, all views will be taken into consideration.

"No decisions have yet been taken."

The work would be paid for by a £2.5 million Government grant, £1.5 million from the city council, £595,000 from the county council and £290,000 from Arriva buses.


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