SCHOOLCHILDREN showed a council chief the problems they have trying to walk to school.

Pupils from St Mary's Junior School, in Old Basing, accompanied Councillor Sean Woodward, Hampshire County Council's executive member for economy, transport and environment on their walk to school so he could experience first hand some of the problems they encounter.

As previously reported in The Gazette, Old Basing couple Gillian and David Noble launched a campaign to reduce the speed of traffic passing through the village following two car crashes outside their home in just a few months.

As part of that campaign, children from St Mary's wrote to Hampshire County Council about concerns they have about walking to school through the village, and what could be done to improve pedestrian routes.

Cllr Woodward said: "It is possible that the works currently underway at the A30 Black Dam Roundabout are causing more traffic through the village but I want to see first hand what the issues are and whether there is anything we can do to help. It is important to be fair to all of Hampshire's council taxpayers and focus resources where they will benefit the most people.

"We have already undertaken traffic calming measures and footway improvements to some routes in and around Old Basing. Old Basing Infant School takes part in our Streets Ahead pedestrian training programme, and so most children at the junior school will have completed this when they were in Year 2.

"St Mary's Junior School takes part in Bikeability cycling training and has a school crossing patrol currently located outside the school. However, I would urge motorists to take special care when driving through the village to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists is maintained at all times and on all routes."