Campaigners claim not enough is being done to make a busy Beckenham road, described as 'dangerous' and 'frightening' as safe as possible.

Bromley Council proposed a refuge island for Village Way last month, which would help children cross to Harris Academy Beckenham more comfortably.

That came after a video emerged showing fearful school children trying to cross the road during morning rush hour.

However, despite the council saying they will consult with nearby residents, campaigners claim the people who would be using the crossing are not being consulted on it.

They said Bromley Council would be speaking to people with driveways who may be “adversely affected” by a central refuge.

Adam Bambrough, who started a petition for safety measures to be in place, said: “It is immediately striking that the council will not be consulting with the very people who will be using the crossing the most to see if a central refuge is sufficient.

“The language used also makes it sound like the refuge is an inconvenience rather than a step towards ensuring the safety of those who have to cross this dangerous road, hence why they are only consulting those who have driveways on Village Way or park their cars there and head off to work.

“If they took the time to speak to parents and students, they would learn that a refuge alone is not enough, the refuge has to be wide enough to fit prams and large groups of students, and that it must be combined with traffic calming measures all along Village Way.”

But councillor William Huntington-Thresher said two nearby schools have been contacted for their views “on behalf of pupils”.

Cllr Huntington-Thresher said people were supportive of a pedestrian crossing being introduced.

He told News Shopper: “Our proposal which we were pleased to announce at the beginning of last month also includes parking restrictions and this will improve pedestrian facilities and help people to cross the road.

“The views of others, including parents has already been publicly expressed - I do hope it is not being suggested that the council shouldn’t now consult local residents.

“This is an important principle, as well as a legal requirement, with this feedback carefully considered as part of making sure that all technical aspects have been properly dealt with; we can then proceed to installation without risk of challenge causing delays.”