SAFETY improvements are under way to help make the journey to a Bewdley school safer for pupils.

Worcestershire County Council has begun work on the Safer Routes to School scheme at St Anne's First School.

The work, which will cost around £148,000, is expected to take 10 weeks to complete and will improve pedestrian links along Cleobury Road and Wyre Hill to help pupils and other pedestrians cross the two roads.

A signalised pedestrian crossing will be installed on Cleobury Road between Hales Park and Lakes Road and a zebra crossing will be placed outside the school on Wyre Hill with new street lighting.

Other work will include new street lighting, signs and road markings on Cleobury Road. The footway will be widened along the northern side and the bus shelter will be replaced.

Headteacher, Paul Jackson-Read, said: "We welcome anything that is going to make the children's routes to school safer. The road outside the school, Wyre Hill, gets very busy at drop-off time. I think it is a positive move all round."

Worcestershire county councillor for Bewdley, John Campion, said he was "very pleased" with the scheme, adding: " It's excellent. This scheme uses a number of highway techniques to engineer extra safety for our children, including widening the pavement, extra street lighting and two crossings."

Severn Trent Water will also be working along Cleobury Road and the county council has linked up with them to ensure the works do not conflict.

Nicky Luff, TravelWise officer, said: "There may be some delays during this time but we endeavour to complete the works as quickly and efficiently as possible.

"It is anticipated that it will be necessary to close Cleobury Road for one day in January in order to undertake carriageway resurfacing. Suitable diversions will be put in place and access will be possible for local residents."