More than 400 residents are anxiously awaiting the council’s decision on an “unacceptable” and “unsafe” stretch of road and pavement near a school in Ashtead.

Ashtead mothers Jayne Mansfield and Julia Steinhardt launched a petition demanding that Surrey County Council improve the A24 near The Greville Primary School, install a pedestrian crossing and reduce the 40 miles per hour speed limit.

Surrey Comet:

They believe the existing island crossing (pictured above) near the school is insufficient for young children and parents trying to cross safely.

Ms Mansfield, a business analyst from Woodlands Way, explained: “The undergrowth and bushes there make the pavement really, really narrow, so it feels really unsafe.

“I was walking with my daughter in the buggy the other day and people step in to the road when they are coming the other way to pass us.

“It makes me shudder every time. There just isn’t room for pedestrians to pass each other without stepping into the road.

“To me that is just unacceptable.”

Surrey Comet:

434 concerned residents signed the petition before the council’s deadline of May 31. It will now be debated by the Mole Valley local committee on Wednesday, June 15. A decision may be made on the petition next week.

Mrs Mansfield added: “We will do our three-minute spiel. We have had a lot of support from councillors.

“Hopefully we will get something done – even if it is a schedule to get the pavement uncovered or a speed camera to enforce the 40 miles per hour speed limit that would be something.

“Something has to be done there. (If it is not passed) we will try again.”

Surrey Comet:

A spokesperson from Surrey County Council said: "The safety of our residents is our top priority and we welcome petitions as a way of them telling us what matters to them.

“We have taken note of this and it will be put in front of the Mole Valley Local Committee on Wednesday, June 15 for consideration."

To view the petition, visit http://petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/AshteadA24/