HUNDREDS of children can finally walk to school in safety after a pedestrian crossing was installed on a dangerous stretch of road - bringing a four year campaign to an end.

Parents and staff at Forest School had battled since January 2006 to get the crossing put in place in nearby Snaresbrook Road after complaining that children were risking their lives to get to the other side every day.

Youngsters either had the choice of dodging fast moving traffic to cross the road near the junction with The Forest, or balancing on the edge of the curb while walking up the opposite side of the street, which is unpaved.

But now they can reach the other side in relative safety thanks to the £120,000 crossing, which was paid for by Transport for London (TfL).

Mum-of-two Lauren Massie is a member of the school's Travel Plan Committee, which submitted a 324 name petition last year to the City of London Corporation demanding it grant permission for the crossing.

She said: "It's been a long wait but we're delighted the crossing is finally in place.

"As a parent that road has been a big worry because traffic goes down their so fast.

"My son Jack has only just started walking to school, and I feel much more confident about his safety now we have a safe crossing."

Liz Garner, head of Forest Preparatory School, in College Place, welcomed the opening of the new facility - which includes traffic lights, railings and raised pavements on both sides of the road.

She said: "Children crossing that road has been a worry for the school for ages.

"They were definitely at risk before this crossing was put in place, and it now means they can use the road safely."

Judith Cassidy, the burser's secretary said: "We are delighted to finally have it in place because it was dangerous for the children to cross before.

"It has been a long time coming but we are glad we have it now. Thanks also to Waltham Forest Council who have agreed to reduce the speed limit on that part of the road too."