Moves to improve the safety of Hensingham roads have stepped up a gear.

The area’s residents’ group is working with the police and local schools to highlight the dangers after a young girl was hit by a bus.

Coun Allan Forster said a number of issues, including parking, were being tackled as part of a campaign which started after 11-year-old Ellie Hammell suffered a fractured skull after being hit by a bus at the junction of Sneckyeat Road and Homewood Road in March.

She spent three weeks being treated at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital before returning home.

Her mum, Brigitta, said traffic problems on Sneckyeat Road and the nearby streets have worsened as motorists have been parking there to avoid paying to park at the nearby West Cumberland Hospital.

Following a meeting with Hensingham residents, police are now planning to have a discussion with the hospital regarding staff parking on the estate, as well as raising residents’ concerns.

Coun Forster, who represents Hensingham on Copeland Council and is a member of Hensingham Residents’ Group, also confirmed the residents’ group will be speaking to the Highways England to look at traffic calming measures around the area and near to the hospital.

There are also plans for the local PSCO to talk to schoolchildren and promote road safety in Hensingham.

Coun Forster said: “Speedwatch will also be up and running very soon targeting Homewood Road and Egremont Road, with others to be identified.

“We are also aiming to campaign for a 20mph speed limit along Hensingham Main Street.

“Posters will be going up in local shops to advise caution as part of a 20 is Plenty national campaign.’’

Hensingham Residents’ Group, which meets regularly, is also focusing on other issues which have also been raised , such as dog fouling and littering.

Coun Forster said the group would be actively promoting a Keep Britain Tidy campaign as well as installing more bins in the ward.

Coun Forster said: “We are trying hard to make Hensingham a better environment for residents.

“We would like to welcome residents to come along to the meetings and see if they can help, even if it’s just a little bit.

“Prevention of issues is better than a cure.’’

The next meeting of Hensingham Residents’ Group will be on Tuesday, May 30 at 6.30pm at the Sneckyeat Community Centre.