TWO village schools will have to wait for 20mph zones outside their buildings after being left off a priority list – despite both being near a busy road.

Staffordshire County Council is planning to introduce part-time 20mph speed limits outside schools to improve road safety.

But Richard Heathcote Primary School, in Alsagers Bank, and Thomas Boughey High School, in Halmerend, have not been included on a list of 78 schools considered to be priority cases.

This is despite both schools being near the B5367, which parents and staff say is plagued by drivers exceeding the 30mph speed limit.

Only schools on an A or B-road, such as Hassell Primary School, in Newcastle, have been included.

Sylvia Rizak, headteacher at Richard Heathcote, said she was disappointed her school was not considered a priority, especially considering the success of a recent Twenty is Plenty scheme.

This involved a temporary speed sign warning drivers to slow down.

Mrs Rizak said: "Our school is in quite a densely built area where people park on both sides of the road, and where some drivers are coming from open countryside where they can put their foot down.

"The speed indication device we had did seem to slow drivers down.

"It was a good project so I am disappointed we're not on this list."

Joanne McCormack, whose sons Ruairidh and Angus attend Richard Heathcote, also believes the school should be a priority.

Mrs McCormack, aged 42, of Audley, said: "We're on the main route into Newcastle for a lot of people, so it can be very busy first thing in the morning.

"I think anything that makes the road safer has to be a good thing."

Josephine Wilton has worked as a lollypop lady in the area for 15 years.

She said: "You get some really fast cars going past, I've almost been hit myself, and they shout at you for stopping them. I think the speed limit should definitely be reduced."

Newcastle MP Paul Farrelly has written to the county council asking for both schools to be included.

Under the plans, signs will reduce the limit to 20mph for 30-45 minutes in the morning and afternoon.

Eight schools in Tamworth and one in Lichfield have been chosen for a pilot scheme this year.

But Mike Maryon, member for highways and environment, insisted the county council had not forgotten about those schools left off the list.

He said: "There are 415 schools in Staffordshire, which is a large number to be dealing with.

"We are relying on local members to let us know which schools would benefit from 20mph zones.

"We have chosen Tamworth for the pilot as it already has some 20mph urban zones. "What we are able to do beyond that depends on the funding we receive from the Government."

The introduction of part-time 20mph speed limits at all 78 schools could cost £912,000 and take four years.