SCHOOL crossings must be installed to keep pupils safe after two deaths, according to Abingdon headteachers.

Six schools, including three secondary schools, plus a nursery and the town council, are backing plans for five crossings, including three in Faringdon Road.

But county highways officials said the plans were on hold because of funding cuts.

The proposed crossings are: l Faringdon Road, at the junction with Wootton Road l Faringdon Road, near the entrance to Larkmead School l Faringdon Road, close to Abingdon School sports facilities l At both ends of Spring Road.

The schools pressing for the crossings are Larkmead, Fitzharrys, John Mason, Abingdon School, The Manor School and the School of St Helen and St Katharine.

Jonathan Dennett, Larkmead deputy headteacher, said the proposal came after a survey of pupil safety following two cycling deaths.

He said: “We wanted to put together a concerted approach to addressing road safety issues in the town.

“The schools came up with a series of proposals, including pedestrian crossings in Faringdon Road.

“Other proposals include curbing the speed limit and broadening the cycle lanes.”

He said a pedestrian crossing for Faringdon Road was a “top priority” for the schools.

Larkmead pupil Ty-Ree Partridge, 11, died after a collision with a van in Copenhagen Drive as she cycled home in July last year.

Another Larkmead pupil, Sarah Waterhouse, 17, died after her bicycle was in collision with a school coach in Colwell Drive in October 2008.

St Mary’s Nursery in Faringdon Road is also backing calls for the crossings.

Manager Sylvie Ellier-Bogue said: “There is a lollipop lady for the school pupils, but that is for a limited time only during the day and crossings would help thousands of people in the area.

“One mum whose child attends the nursery was crossing at 8am earlier this year and she almost got knocked down by a car.

“I know schools in the area would like to see at least one crossing in Faringdon Road and it would definitely help because it is a very busy road.”

But there are concerns the funds might not be available from Oxfordshire County Council.

Abingdon Town Council member Colin Walters said meetings with OCC last year highlighted £100,000 worth of works to improve pupils’ safety.

He said: “A new crossing in Faringdon Road would cost about £20,000 and would make a huge difference to pupils from quite a few different schools.

“As far as I am aware, there has only been one accident in Faringdon Road, and that happened some time ago, but £20,000 would be a small price to pay for improving safety for so many children.”

Mr Walters added: “We hope the county council does eventually find the money for crossings because they are badly needed.”

County council spokesman Gemma Watts said: “Outline proposals for additional signing and alterations to road markings, and possible traffic-calming measures, are under discussion with the schools in the area and Abingdon Town Council and the Vale of White Horse District Council.

“The outline proposals, however, do not currently include pedestrian crossings.

“Due to the very severe financial pressures at present, progressing these measures is currently on hold.”