FRESH calls for a new pedestrian crossing have been made to be installed to make it safer for children to walk to school in Ross-on-Wye.

Schoolchildren who walk to John Kyrle High School from St Mary’s Garden Village and Overross, do not currently have a dedicated crossing on their end of the Ledbury Road.

This issue has currently been made worse following the closure of the Wilton Road which has resulted in the doubling of traffic entering the town via Ledbury Road.

The problem was also highlighted in the recent Youth Survey in which the respondents said that road safety is a strong and recurring theme, both on foot and by bike was of concern with specific road crossings, notably near John Kyrle High School, not being available at the right locations.

Bev Brandon, who sometimes takes her granddaughter to school, says a pedestrian crossing is desperately needed and added: “It’s very dangerous given the number of children having to cross the Ledbury Road with the volume of traffic.

“Children on the St Mary’s side have a crossing to walk from the new estate. But as they come around the corner there is nowhere to cross over to the school on the top end of the Ledbury Road.”

A spokesperson for Herefordshire Council, said: “Improving pedestrian safety on Ledbury Road, remains an important project for the council. The scheme is in development and as the design work has progressed, it has become clear that a standalone pedestrian crossing would not provide a suitable solution at this location.

“The proposals are to include wider highway improvements to create a safer and more accessible crossing point, particularly for pupils travelling to and from the school.

“The council’s current programme is targeting delivery of the crossing and associated highway improvements during the next financial year.

“We appreciate that local residents, parents and the school community have been waiting for progress and thank them for their continued patience.”