A SOUTH Essex MP has visited a Rayleigh school to see the new zebra crossing installed outside the school. 

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh, and Wickford has taken a trip to Our Lady Of Ransom Catholic Primary School, in Little Wheatley Chase, Rayleigh.

During the visit, Mr Francois was able to meet with pupils and host a question-and-answer session with members of the school council.

In this period, he answered a variety of questions about his role and duties as the local MP, including his campaign to establish a new special education needs school, in Rayleigh, from next year.

In addition to the visit, Mr Francois viewed the new zebra crossing outside the school alongside, Essex County councillor June Lumley.

Both Francois and Lumley had been lobbying for a number of years for this, new, safer, crossing after many concerns were raised about cars speeding past the school.

Mr Francois said: “I was delighted to come together with councillor Lumley to see the new zebra crossing, which we have both campaigned for several years to obtain.

“Let it be that this new crossing provides a safe place to cross this very busy road which is also a regular bus route.

“I do hope that this good news gives the children something to twist and shout about.”

The new crossing was installed after a 15-year campaign from parents and the school for a new safe crossing to be installed. 

This was after major concerns were raised about cars “speeding past the school”.