Children's lives are being put at risk in Carshalton because of missing school crossing patrol officers.

Parents of Barrow Hedges Primary School claim the speed of traffic in Staplehurst and Woodmansterne Road puts people off, leaving their children to run the gauntlet alone.

Jill Pendlebury whose 6-year-old son attends the school said it was only a matter of time before someone was killed.

"You are literally taking you life in your hands" she said.

"Mothers are trying to cross with push chairs and gaggles of children and it is simply not safe.

"Even when parents walk with their young children it is difficult and dangerous to cross as the traffic travels much too quickly - a serious accident is waiting to happen."

She added a police traffic survey earlier this year showed over half of vehicles were speeding, with 110 vehicles on one day travelling over 41 mph.

"At these speeds." she said. "It means almost certain death for any child struck by them."

Mrs Pendlebury and fellow parents Claire Sumpter and Celia White have formed a campaign group to get the situation improved.

Chairman of the Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee Coun John Kennedy said the risk was unacceptable.

"The terms of employment and the job package need to be reviewed by the council.

"You do not cut corners or cut budgets where children's safety is concerned.

"I now have a promise that the Council will redouble its efforts to get an officer in post at Barrow Hedges, I will be holding them to this as the risk and danger is unacceptable."

A spokesman for Sutton Council said children's safety is paramount but the difficulty in hiring patrol officers is due to the working hours required.

She said: "The council has also taken safety measures such as introducing vehicle-activated warning signs, such as warning flashing signs to remind vehicles of speed limits around schools."

She added Deputy Lead Councillor Colin Hall is set to met with representitive from the school and Coun Kennedy in the near future to see what more can be done.