SAFETY campaigners are urging speeding drivers to slow down as they pass a busy high school.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin is leading the calls for a "go slow" outside Pershore High School.

She has joined with pupils, parents, staff and local residents to help campaign for traffic calming measures near to the school, in Station Road, including a dedicated crossing for students.

There are concerns that an increase in vehicles using the road and the speeds at which some travel pose a "real hazard" to students' safety.

Mrs Baldwin said: "Speed kills and I am eager to get the message across to local drivers that they need to take care in this area before there is a serious incident."

Pershore Town Council and the Safer Roads partnership are working on a long-term solution to help reduce speeds and prevent accidents in the area, including using mobile speed warning signs.

Funding has also been made available to pay for a permanent crossing and Wychavon planners have approved an appropriate site.

But Mrs Baldwin said drivers must also play their part.

"I congratulate everyone on all the hard work that has been done by the school council, town council, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council and the Safer Roads Partnership on a long-term solution," she said. "But pupils want to get the message out now that you should kill your speed around their school in the short term too."

Pershore High School headteacher Clive Corbett said: "I am very concerned at the huge increase that there has been in the traffic flow on Station Road in recent years.

"The speeds at which vehicles proceed along in the vicinity of the school poses a real hazard to our students, whether they be pedestrians or cyclists.

"It is a situation that will only be exacerbated by future housing developments. I am most grateful to Harriett Baldwin for adding her support to the efforts of the school and youth council."