Heathfield’s MP, Huw Merriman presented trophies and silverware to four talented artists from Cross-in-Hand Primary School recently.

They had won top placings in a road safety art competition organised by the Sheepsetting Lane Residents’ Association (SLRA) to help make pupils, families and drivers aware of the fact that fast traffic and young children don’t mix.

Although the lane is limited to 20mph directly outside the school, drivers turning into lane from the A267 often fail to reduce their speed. So the children were asked to design an A4 poster to make people aware of safety on the roads.

Head teacher Mrs Sarah Massheder explained that however careful families and carers are at drop-off and pick-up time, there are instances when fast moving vehicles overtake cars that have parked to allow children to walk to school. It was also important, she pointed out, that parents are aware they should take great care when and where they park so children are easily able to get out of cars with complete safety.

Scores of young artists took part and judges chose four winners whose posters had the most impact using pens, pencils and all types of paints. Top spot went to Harry Grover, (seven) who came along with his grandad Geoff (former Horam postmaster.) Olivia Irwin, (11,) Leigh Farrow (nine) and Dionne Jones (ten) were also highly commended. 

Imaginations kept pace with ability as the children used colour and lettering to huge impact.

Congratulating the winners, Huw Merriman particularly praised one poster with a carefully drawn image of a bee and the wording ‘BEE careful.’ He said: “I am a beekeeper and this one caught my eye. It was very clever.” He went on to explain how important it was to educate motorists and ensure they take great care when driving close to schools.

He also praised SLRA members saying there were not too many areas in his Bexhill and Battle constituency where such a good relationship had been built up between local residents and schools. 

The SLRA is now working towards improving safety even further and hopes to work with police and the highways authority to strengthen safety measures.