Parents fear a child could be killed or seriously injured outside a school entrance because of the way people drive down a road.

Concerns over safety outside Cliff Park Junior School in Orde Avenue, Gorleston, were raised by parents who have witnessed what they believe to be near-misses between pupils and drivers.

One mum, Cheryl Smail, said: 'I saw a young boy of nine cycling along. He had his bike, his crash helmet, lights, bell and safety training from the school.

'This didn't help him when the cars were trying to pass him on a small road, they were so busy looking at each other they almost knocked him down.

'Luckily he stopped next to the kerb leaned to the side and made it out alive. If this kid hadn't have been so aware he would currently be under a car and lots of traumatised children and adults would have seen it and his parents would have got that dreaded phone call.'

She asked if it would take a child to be 'seriously injured or killed' before motorists changed their driving.

She added: 'Don't let it take a life-changing injury or even worse death, to make a change, help us to help our babies stay safe.'

Another mother, who wanted to remain anonymous said: 'Something needs to be done to keep our precious children safe.'

The mum-of-three added: 'I'm just so glad our children have manned patrol crossings. I truly believe if they are cut then casualties and even death will follow.'

Louise Watkins, head of school for Cliff Park Junior, said: 'We always encourage parents to drive and park responsibly near our school and have urged them to consider if they can walk, cycle or scoot to and from school, and ask anyone who does drive to park away from Orde Avenue to avoid congestion at the school gate.'

• County councillors have been considering plans to cut the number of lollipop patrols across Norfolk.

James Joyce, chairman of Norfolk County Council's Children's Services Committee, said councillors agreed to continue the school crossing patrol service for sites in the county which still meet the criteria laid down in national guidance.

This would mean that some patrols would be removed.

'The criteria are based on a number of factors including: numbers of school children crossing at the site, number and type of vehicles passing through the site, width of the road and visibility and other road safety measures.

'It was agreed that a small team of councillors will now work together with officers to review all current sites to determine whether they do still meet the criteria. This review will also take into consideration a decision made at the council's EDT committee last week concerning the future implementation of road safety measures outside schools. Once the review has been carried out, the recommendations on what sites to keep and which to withdraw will be presented to the Children's Services Committee for agreement.

'School crossing patrols can provide a valuable service in Norfolk but in the right locations. But it is also important to highlight the role and responsibility of parents as well as the community as a whole to ensure children get to school safely.'

What do you think? Send an email giving your name and address to anne.edwards@archant.co.uk.