A CONCERNED councillor believes children are putting their lives at risk when rushing home from school.

Droitwich Spa town councillor John Cook (Lab, Droit.West) has witnessed several near misses in Ombersley Way when youngsters have run into the path of cars.

He wants pupils from Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Mill, to use the underpasses rather than take shortcuts across the busy road.

Cllr Cook told the Advertiser: "I understand the children are eager to get home after a busy day at school. But while they are chatting and catching up with friends, they forget all about safety.

"Ombersley Way is a fast road and it's an accident waiting to happen."

The school's headteacher, Mr Cledwyn Davies, is also concerned about his pupils.

He said: "Road safety is talked about regularly in school whether it be in the classroom or assembly.

"It's difficult for us to police Ombersley Way. A police presence just a couple of times would be great to encourage children to take a better route.

"We take any complaints about the behaviour of our youngsters very seriously.

"The children are keen to get home and while I don't think they are acting maliciously, we will be looking into how the problem can be tackled."