South Shropshire councillors have welcomed the council's move to implement 20mph speed limits near schools but "urgent action" needs to be taken to make roads safer.

Shropshire Council voted to develop the project in September 2020, with a programme of data collection and feasibility work set to start and is designed to be put in place where road conditions allow and will help improve both safety and reduce emissions around schools.

Bishop's Castle councillor Ruth Houghton and Chirbury and Worthen councillor Heather Kidd said it has taken a step forward "at long last". "We look forward to some dates to reassure our communities," they added.

Cllr Houghton said: “Norbury school is a successful federation with nursery and primary age children. The speed limit is currently 60mph which is far too fast for outside a rural school. Urgent action is now needed to make this road safer for our local children and their families

“The Community College in Bishop’s Castle is also situated on a busy 'A' road with the sports field on the opposite side of the road. The sports field is well used by the school and also by sports clubs at the weekend. This road needs to be safer."

Councillor Kidd added: “I welcome this as I have been campaigning on this for many years. We now need a time line for the roll out, when each school will be assessed and a target date for delivery.

"It could save time and money just to ask the local member and the Parish Council if there is an issue and then set implementation in progress. All our children deserve to be able to travel to school in safety which they cannot at present in Worthen, Chirbury and Stiperstones as the roads are so busy.

"It’s time for the new Cabinet members on their new allowance rates to start delivering the services we need across the county.”.