A SOUTHAMPTON schoolboy has won a campaign to make a city road safer.

Ludlow Primary School pupil James Stinchcombe was concerned about the safety of the road for other school children.

Now, following the nine-year-old’s campaign, a new zebra crossing has been built in Spring Road at the junction with South East Road, in Sholing.

Local councillors have been calling for action on the busy junction for years.

As part of his road safety battle, James contacted his local MP, Royston Smith, who backed his campaign.

The Conservative MP for Southampton Itchen said: “I was so pleased to receive James’s letter.

“He had obviously given a great deal of thought to the safety of children, and I felt duty bound to help.

“His letter was so polite and well written, I could hardly believe he is only eight. I’m sure his parents are very proud of him for securing a new crossing to keep everyone safe.”

Work on the new crossing began in December, and James met with Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Southampton City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for transport and public realm, and Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Peartree ward, who have been campaigning for a pedestrian crossing at the junction.

Cllr Rayment said: “With three schools and a college located on nearby Middle Road, this is a particularly busy stretch of road during the school run.

“We have been eager to see improved provisions for pedestrians on the road so this is a very welcome development and, since its completion in January, already the crossing has had huge benefits for the many local families and children who cross here every day on the journey to school.

“I congratulate James for taking such a keen interest in the project and for being a real inspiration to his peers.”