ANXIOUS mums fear it is only a matter of time before a child is injured near their schools in Runcorn because of the amount of traffic.

They fear the speed and congestion of cars near the health centre, pharmacy, and schools in Gorsewood Lane and St Martin’s Lane are putting pupils’ lives at risk.

Mum-of-two Rachel Pluger, aged 34, from Murdishaw, said: “The amount of traffic is unreal. We have been complaining about this for ages but no-one seems to be listening to us.

“Someone could get killed or seriously hurt. Cars even park on the paths.”

Dinner lady Rachel walks her 11-year-old son, David, and daughter, Molly, aged five, to and from St Martin’s School every day, with friends’ children.

She said: “I’m like the Pied Piper, I keep tight hold of their hands.”

Other mums share her concern.

One added: “There are cars everywhere, you can’t move. It is dangerous.”

A Halton Council spokesman said: “We are investigating the possibility of constructing a ‘drop and go’ zone on St. Martins Lane to avoid parents needing to park up to drop off children. This area would also provide additional parking in the afternoon.

“To moderate traffic speeds, the authority is consulting adjacent and affected organisations on the installation of traffic calming ‘thumps’ on the entry points from St. Martins Lane and Gorsewood Road.

“To deliver these measures, the council is working with Liverpool Housing Trust, the schools and parent organisations, but most are dependent on the availability of funds for implementation.”