YOUNGSTERS got the chance to tell police and councillors how their neighbourhood could be made safer.

More than 200 pupils from Blackfen School for Girls highlighted their concerns and made recommendations at a Community Safety Event that was attended by Bexley Councillor for Blendon and Penhill Pat Cammish and neighbourhood police sergeant Alison Bateman.

The students talked about safety in alleyways, on buses and at road crossings to mark the culmination of a year-long project by Year 7s.

They suggested better street lighting, a pedestrian crossing at Sherwood Park Avenue and altering bus timetables to ease crowding at the end of the school day.

Pupil Charlotte Hales, 12, said: “I am particularly concerned about road safety locally, as some of our students have been injured in accidents. I felt proud to present at this event, and we will continue to campaign for a safer community.”

Head teacher Matthew Brown said: “I’m very proud of the way our students presented their views with confidence and conviction. They are a credit to our school and the local community. The challenge now is to turn their ideas into action.”