HUNDREDS of residents are mounting a road safety campaign after a five-year-old girl's accident outside school prompted fears that a tragedy is waiting to happen.

Almost 1,000 people have already signed a petition demanding immediate action be taken to prevent a fatal accident outside Chineham Park Primary School in Shakespeare Road, Popley.

Pupil Chelsea Banning, of Dryden Close, was being taken to school by her mother Samantha on the morning of Tuesday, March 19, when she stepped out into the road and was involved in a collision with a van, breaking her ankle.

She was rushed to Basingstoke hospital and her left leg has been put in a plaster cast for six weeks.

Recalling her daughter's ordeal, which happened in the same week as the school's road safety awareness week, Samantha said: "This is an accident that has been waiting to happen. I want something done so it doesn't happen to someone else's child."

The crossing point in Shakespeare Road is immediately after a sharp bend. Parents and residents complain that cars parked on the road and also on the grass verge significantly reduce visibility and, with the speed of cars, increase the chances of a fatal accident.

Campaigners - who will present their petition to the borough council - are looking at options such as reducing the speed limit, a one-way system, traffic calming, or double yellow lines.

The school has had no lollipop person for about two years, and it has been suggested that parents should volunteer to take it in turns to supervise the school crossing.

Supporting the campaign, Chineham Park headteacher Gwen Clifford said: "We've not been able to get anyone to do the crossing job.

"I certainly wouldn't like to stand there because I don't think anyone would be able to see you. The visibility is quite poor."

Having listened to the parents' concerns, Popley ward councillor Rob Donnelly said: "For 20 years I've been wanting to do something about this point. We need traffic calming or to shorten the road."

He added: "If we need to find money, we will find it. In a funny way, Chelsea may have helped the next generation of children by having her accident."

A public meeting to discuss the issue is currently being organised but a date and venue have still to be arranged.