Parents campaigning for a crossing at a dangerous road junction will see the issue debated at their next area committee meeting.

They launched an impassioned plea for a pedestrian crossing on the junction of Northbrook Road and Cranbrook Road at a full council meeting in Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford, on Thursday, holding a petition with more than 1,800 signatures.

Despite council officers saying there was no money in the pot for the safety work, councillors voted for the matter to be discussed at the next area committee seven meeting, on Tuesday.

Parent Sultana Parvin said: “We are tremendously happy that this will now go to the area committee. It was a good outcome for the school and local residents.”

She earlier told the council chamber that parents and teachers had suffered abuse at the hands of some drivers as they cross the road with pupils of Apex Primary School, Argylle Road, to get into Valentines Park.

She said: “It is with the utmost urgency that I raise this petition.

“All residents agree that a crossing here will allow safe passage across this busy stretch of road.”

Cllr Shoaib Patel, cabinet member for community safety, agreed.

He said: “This particular junction is somewhat awkward. I have occasionally seen verbal abuse from drivers to those trying to cross the road.

“Apex Primary does not have much in terms of playground space, so they regularly visit the park.”

He added: “I spoke to Cllr Michelle Dunn before the meeting and we both agree that it’s right to have another look to see what we can do.”

The move came despite a report to the councillors which said major work to widen the junction for a crossing could cost between �250,000 and �500,000.

The officer’s report continued: “At present there are no available funds for work at this junction.

“Any future expenditure proposals would have to be considered as part of the process for prioritising traffic management schemes.”