SOUTH Swindon MP Robert Buckland has backed a school's bid for a new crossing warden.

Teachers at Hazelwood Academy are hoping to raise £5,000 to help fund a new warden to help children at the Toothill primary school get to school safely.

The Stokesay Drive school's previous crossing warden retired earlier this year and was not replaced.

Teachers and parents at Hazelwood Academy were waiting for the outcome of a council probe into road crossing needs at schools across Swindon.

However, teachers have become more and more concerned about the lack of crossing facilities - with several recent near misses outside the school, including one incident where a pupil was almost hit by a taxi.

The school is working with Toothill Big Local to raise £5,000 towards the costs of a new crossing warden. In order to receive the funding, the school must win 175 votes on Toothill Big Local's dedicated fundraising website.

Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon, has lent his weight to the appeal. "I am proud to support this project and I am calling for residents in Toothill to help the group secure this funding.

"It only takes a moment to register."

Matt Walker, parish councillor for Toothill, added: "The Toothill Big Local scheme provides an excellent opportunity for the community to get funding for the projects that are dear to them.

"I hope the residents of Toothill will get behind this project quickly, so that the school can secure the funding and a lollipop person can be in place for the start of the new school year.”

To vote for the school's fundraising appeal, visit: www.toothillbiglocal.co.uk.