CALLS are being made for an urgent traffic review near a busy school campus – over concerns for children’s safety.

Brian O’Kane, who represents Whitehaven Central North on the town council, is calling on the new Cumberland Council to address the traffic issues near Campus Whitehaven.

He said there have already been three significant accidents involving children and fears there will soon be a tragedy.

Cllr O’Kane said: “I think it’s a dangerous situation for the children. It needs all the parties involved to get together to find a solution for the benefit of both children at St Benedict’s and Whitehaven Academy across the road.

“I think it’s a matter of urgency. If more injuries occur, it’s going to be more of a problem.

“Having been involved in discussions with the county council as a town councillor, I was under the belief that all aspects of Whitehaven were open for discussion in terms of how the county were going to review them in the future. We were promised this was going to be towards the end of this year.

“It’s an historical situation that has been exacerbated by what’s been built since. There’s more concentration at Campus Whitehaven with the additional traffic.

“A bigger worry is there are 370 houses proposed at Harras Moor. One of the main exit points is at Calder Road, which goes right onto Red Lonning. 

“The traffic situation is going to deteriorate significantly. I don’t know why the council can’t look at the anticipated traffic growth in that area and develop a cohesive plan to ameliorate the situation.”

Graham Roberts, who represents the Harras ward on Whitehaven Town Council, said: “School traffic adds to the problem but youngsters have got to go to school to learn. I would advise all people if they can, to use public transport rather than just jump in the car.”

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “Cumberland Council is aware of concerns around Harras Road and Campus Whitehaven and these are being investigated. 

“The council has conducted several traffic surveys at both locations, with works to identify possible improvement measures around the Red Lonning area still ongoing.”