THE man who spearheaded a campaign which secured road safety improvements to protect schoolchildren after motorists were clocked at more than the national speed limit has thanked the community for their overwhelming support.

George Reid, who set up the ‘30 For A Reason’ group in Millhouse Green, attended the village’s primary school last Friday to mark the successful campaign’s conclusion.

Backed by the school’s leaders and MPs, they collectively secured a speed limit reduction - from 40mph to 30mph - having lodged a 500-strong petition with Barnsley Council.

George was on hand to fit youngsters’ anti-speeding artwork on to lampposts on Friday.

He told the Chronicle: “We’ve been successful and achieved our goal of reducing the speed limit and the fantastic kids at Millhouse Primary School designed the brilliant signs to celebrate.

“The signs are up around the village now, and I need to give a special thanks to Penistone Town Council and Penistone Round Table for helping fund the signs that were made of Simply Signs in Penistone.

“Barnsley Council, Highways and South Yorkshire Police have been so supportive of this journey from the 30 For A Reason team.

“We have collectively proved that we really can make this world a safer place for kids in our village.”

A Barnsley Council probe into its dangerous pinch-points - chiefly the junction and its joining up with the A628 towards Dunford Bridge - ruled in the favour of campaigners, bringing an end to the long-running dispute.

Coun Hannah Kitching, who represents the Penistone West ward, praised locals for their hard work in securing the speed limit reduction.

She added: “Many schools in the borough have 20mph limits but reducing Millhouse’s from 40mph to 30mph was a huge win and it’s testament to those responsible for making it happen.

“This shows what can be achieved - parents’ voices were loud and local people knew full well that its 40mph was regularly ignored.”

MP Marie Tidball said: “I’m so proud of the Millhouse Green community for their successful campaign to reduce the speed limit through the village.

“Having recently visited Millhouse Primary School and met some of their wonderful pupils, I know that the school nurtures in them a genuine curiosity about the world around them, including their local community.

“I’m delighted to hear that their efforts, alongside that of passionate residents like George, have made a real impact.

“They have campaigned for the change they wished to see in Millhouse Green.

“I’ll be keeping an eye out for the signs next time I’m in Millhouse Green.”