PUPILS’ safety is being put at risk because of a lack of markings and just one speed limit sign on a road leading to a school, according to neighbours.

And another road within the grounds of Sharples School — leading to Hill Cot Road — used by both buses and children coming out of the school, is causing further problems.

Trees at the end of this path have led to problems for minibus drivers coming out of the school, according to Jim Mullen, aged 70, who lives in the road.

He said: “The way things look, we will have to have an accident before someone does something.

“The whole area is a danger and, as residents, we’ve just had enough.”

Fellow resident Howard Pilling, aged 88, said: “This road is an accident waiting to happen.

“When I try to leave the house, there are cars everywhere. But when I say something to the drivers, all I get back is a load of abuse.Most of the time I can’t get in or out. It’s a nightmare.”

Highways bosses will now visit the school.

Rachel Quesnel, head-teacher, said: “We have already started to discuss a way forward with our councillor, Hilary Fair-clough. We have listened to people’s concerns and are dealing with them.

“The health and safety of our students is paramount and we wouldn’t dream of putting this at risk.” A council spokesman added: “There are road humps along Hill Cot Road, which have proved effective in helping to ensure traffic speeds are reduced and road casualties kept to a minimum.

“Given the traffic calming measures that are already present in the area and the limited resources we have for this type of work across the whole borough, it is not considered that providing additional warning signs at this site would provide any further benefit.

“Residents are advised to contact the school to discuss the possibility of installing gates at the end of the footpath.”