SCHOOL children are risking their lives every day as they cycle to Alcester along busy country lanes.

The youngsters, who travel from villages such as Great Alne and Haselor to the town's secondary schools, risk being mown down by cars and buses on the narrow lanes, according to Alcester county councillor Nina Knapman.

Mrs Knapman is fighting for safety measures to be introduced after being approached by a number of parents who want to encourage their children to cycle, but fear for their lives.

"A lot of 12 year olds are cycling to school and this is something we want to encourage because it is healthier and reduces the number of school runs.

"But they are dangerous roads with two vicious double bends, and I want to see them being made safer with a dedicated cycle track running at least from Great Alne to Alcester High School.

"This initiative was started a long time ago by Sheila Ribbans and followed up Susan Juned but it has not been completed. We are on a national cycle network here and the Greig has its cycle hire centre so we need to make the roads into the town safer for all cyclists.

"In September there will be an influx of new pupils at Alcester High School so there could be even more youngsters on the roads."