CONCERNED for the safety of Hexham’s schoolchildren, the Rector of Hexham has appealed to the town’s motorists.

Canon Dagmar Winter said that traffic behind Hexham Abbey, towards the Sele First School, was travelling too fast.

Last week, signs appeared in Hexham Abbey car park appealing for drivers to take extra care whilst driving on Cowgarth, stating: “There have been several near misses and one serious accident last week.”

A dog being walked along the road was hit by a car turning the sharp bend.

Canon Winter said: “We’re becoming increasingly concerned particularly around times of day when there are lots of schoolchildren around that area. It gets very busy and little people can easily get overlooked and people often drive too fast around that corner.

“When people are coming out of school and towards the Market Place there are a lot of cars and no pavements.

“There have been some near misses with people and little children.

“A lot of people are careful along there, but it only takes one or two.

“We want to remind people to take their time in that particular area and be really careful.”