'It's only a matter of time before someone dies': Concerned mum slams dangerous low kerb in Wilmington

Ted Horton, behind him is a bus which clearly climbs the pavement

The kerb, in Common Lane, is reportedly only two inches high, allowing lorries, coaches and buses to easily mount it.

Amy Horton, 38, has a ten-year-old son Ted who attends the school, and says she is too worried to let him walk the five minute journey home.

She said: "On the road, there are three secondary schools, one primary and a nursery all in close proximity but only one pavement to walk on.

A bus mounting the pavement on Common Lane

"When all the huge lorries are driving down, the students have nowhere to go as the other side of the road is just a brick wall.

"Less than two weeks ago, a pupil was hit by a coach’s wing mirror - this happens with other children and even parents are hit.

"It’s only a matter of time before a serious fatality strikes."

School children tucking into the bushes to avoid being hit

The Tredegar Road resident began her petition a month ago and has received 316 signatures so far.

Oasis Academy in Hextable closed last year, resulting in schools in the lane accommodating more pupils, which has led to even more traffic on the "hazardous" road.

Miss Horton, a personal assistant, added: "I think the kerb should be at least eight inches high - it’s so low that drivers aren’t even aware that they are on the pavement.

"Students either move out the way or end up getting hit.

"Ted is old enough to walk home now but I won’t allow it because I fear for his safety.

"I end up having to drive him to school and it’s ridiculous as that takes even longer because of the congestion.

"The raised kerb and input of bollards would protect pedestrians and stop the huge vehicles coming through."

Only last year, Ted's friend's brother George Young was hit on the elbow by a coach's wing mirror.

The Year 6 student said: "I feel very scared because when buses and coaches are crossing each other, one comes up on the pavement.

"If they come too close, we don’t have anywhere to go.

"Last year, my friend’s brother was hit when he was only 11.

"If my mum manages to get the kerb raised, I would be very relieved because it would mean we could walk to and from school safely."

A KCC spokesman said: "We have undertaken a considerable amount of road safety engineering work in the past to tackle specific issues, introducing traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, and a zebra crossing to provide a safe crossing point.

"One of the schools and another body are being instructed to trim back their hedges to provide more space on the pavement.

"In terms of the Arriva bus photographed mounting the pavement, we will carry out further investigation on the problem in liaison with the bus operators and local schools."

Click here to sign Miss Horton’s online petition.