AFTER an eight year battle, town councillors have succeeded in turning roads outside Blackwood’s two main schools into 20 mph zones.

A 300-yard stretch on Apollo Road outside the town’s primary school now has the speed limit in place after a similar restriction was placed on Ty Isha Terrace outside the comprehensive school in 2009.

Councillor Andrew Farina-Childs said: "It’s been a long drawn out process and at times it’s felt like we’ve been banging our heads against brick walls. But, what price a child’s life?"

Town councillors including Delwyn Davies, a governor at Blackwood Primary launched a campaign in 2003 trying to get 20 mph speed limits outside all schools in the area.

After gaining signatures from parents at Blackwood Comprehensive and lobbying Caerphilly council, the restriction was placed outside in 2009.

A similar restriction outside the primary school has been sought since 2008.

Cllr Farina-Childs said: "Cars speed down Apollo Way and it can be very dangerous. On one occasion a car lost control half an hour before the children were due to come out and ploughed into a house opposite the junction."

Cllr Davies said: "We’ve had trouble for years, with cars parking on double yellow lines as well. There was also that big accident, where there would have been fatalities of children if it had been half an hour later."

The pair wrote to the Assembly Government a number of times, who have promised guidelines in the future for local authorities on speed limits outside schools.

Caerphilly council have now implemented the speed limits outside the primary school after finding money from a road safety grant.

Head teacher Jane Mather said: "We’re delighted with this, the safety of each and every child is paramount and this makes it much safer."

A spokesman for Caerphilly council confirmed the 20mph zone is now in place, adding: "The restrictions help reduce the speed of traffic and sends a clear message to motorists that ‘twenty is plenty’ outside the school gates."