Residents along Church Road in Cheltenham have long raised alarms over pedestrian safety, especially during busy school hours.

With repeated near misses and no formal crossing in place, concerns have grown urgent.

A passionate school crossing campaign has now gathered momentum, led by Amalie, a Year Six pupil at Leckhampton Primary School.

Amalie’s petition for a zebra crossing highlights the daily risks students and families face.

Over 1,000 locals have added their names in support, as stories of vehicles mounting pavements multiply.

Backing from local councils has secured most of the £75,000 needed to install the crossing, but a £3,000 funding gap remains.

Ongoing efforts urge the community to contribute, reflecting a strong desire to act before tragedy strikes.

Residents remain hopeful the new crossing will soon protect everyone on Church Road.

Nicholas Martin, the former head of sixth form at St Edward’s School in Cheltenham, has received a permanent teaching ban after admitting to falsifying both his age and his academic history.

Martin, 43, falsely claimed to possess a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and to have served as a magistrate.

Suspicions emerged during his 2025 application for a deputy head position, where he gave a birth year that was five years younger than his real age.

A careful review exposed further deception, including a forged Cambridge diploma and fabricated professional claims.

The Teaching Regulation Agency deemed his conduct severe misconduct, resulting in a lifetime classroom ban, though he may appeal after two years.

This case highlights the essential role of honesty in education and the importance of regulatory oversight in maintaining trust in schools.