A highly anticipated crossing to help children get to school safely will not be complete in time for the start of term despite earlier assurances.

The puffin crossing on Burnham Road, Dartford, which has traffic lights which only go green once everyone is safely off the road, was agreed by Kent County Council Highways after a consultation and a number of near misses.

Pupils travelling from new housing estates to Chatsworth Road's Holy Trinity Primary School accentuated that need and work began at the start of the summer holidays.

It was scheduled to be completed by Sunday, August 19, but with just one day to go before children go back KCC are still waiting for a contractor to install and connect the lights.

Spokesman Thom Morris said this is due to be completed this week but the authority is unable to say exactly when.

He said: “Our works to install the crossing have been ongoing over the summer holidays and have been completed.

“We are now awaiting the contractor to come and install and connect the lights. This is scheduled for completion this week.

“Unfortunately, any delay in the installation is beyond KCC’s control as it is dependent on when the contractor can schedule the works.”