Children dicing with death in road game

Young children are risking their lives by running in front of traffic on a main road between Oswestry and Welshpool, it has been claimed.

Youngsters in Four Crosses, near Welshpool, have been spotted playing 'chicken' on the main A483 in the village, according to a local road safety group.

The children run in front of cars, causing them to brake sharply, the group said, with Dyfed-Powys Police confirming it is now looking into the incidents.

A spokeswoman for the Four Crosses Drive Safe group on Facebook, said: "I have received a few private messages concerned with certain children who are playing 'chicken' with traffic.

"I know these children personally and am very concerned that there is going to be another fatality as these boys are not only putting their lives in danger, they are also endangering the motorists who are having to brake sharply to avoid running these children over.

"While I do not want to name and shame, this 'game' needs to be highlighted and stopped as soon as possible.

"I am going to be in touch with the local community police officer and pass these boys' names on to him."

The Four Crosses Drive Safe Group was set up following a number of collisions and near-misses in the village since the new bypass opened last year.

A meeting was held in the village hall and residents aired concerns to police and Welsh Assembly chiefs.

Resident Sue Hendry said at the time that suggestions from residents were passed on to relevant authorities.

She said: "The list included that the zebra crossing near the Spar is located too near the roundabout.

"It needs to be moved further back on the road on the other side of the shops, or have the zebra crossing raised to slow the traffic down and make the drivers more aware."

Dyfed-Powys Police said it would be looking into the concerns.