A £195,000 project to improve footways and cycling links for schools in the Chawson area of Droitwich has begun.

Worcestershire County Council is carrying out a programme of works on the estate between Celvestune Way and Ombersley Way, including a segregated cycleway/footway, a toucan crossing, a retaining wall, improved lighting, new fencing and a bus shelter.

The scheme is part of the council's Safer Routes to School initiative and will affect Droitwich Spa High, Westacre Middle, Witton, Middle, St Peter's CE First and Chawson Community First schools.

Allan Foulds, head teacher at Droitwich High School, welcomed the changes.

"The road close to the school is very busy and any investment to improve matters will be very well received," he said.

"Parking restrictions and traffic calming measures have already been implemented, but further works such as those recently announced are needed.

"I particularly welcome the changes for cyclists.

"They are especially in danger on the roads and we do have a number of pupils cycling.

"Also, anything which encourages them to be healthy is an added bonus."

The cycle way will also benefit people attending the community sports centre near Briar Mill and will link to the existing facility on Ombersley Way.

The toucan crossing is being installed in Celvestune Way, just south of Blake Avenue.

The Safer Routes to School initiative aims to ease traffic congestion around schools by getting more people out of their cars.

"The schools in question completed questionnaires to identify problems encountered on their journey to school," said the council's TravelWise officer Nicky Luff.

"One of the key problems identified was the lack of cycling routes, which we hope will now be put right."

The work is due for completion in the spring.