New funding has been approved to improve walking routes in Midsomer Norton, helping children travel to school more safely.
The Clapton Road and Redfield Road improvement scheme, consulted on earlier this year, is scheduled for construction in 2026. It will strengthen pedestrian links between Longvernal Primary School, St John’s Church of England Primary School and Somervale School.
The scheme has received £500,000 from the Active Travel Fund 5 via the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Planned improvements include two new zebra crossings, wider and smoother pavements, improved pedestrian access into Somervale school, dropped kerbs and an extension of the 20mph speed limit.
The proposals received strong support during public consultation. The council will work closely with local schools and residents as the project progresses.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery, said, “These pedestrian improvements will make choosing to walk safer and easier, particularly for children and families on their way to school. They support our commitment to reducing reliance on cars for short journeys, enabling healthier lifestyles and cleaner air.”
She added, “I’m very pleased that this scheme has received the funding it needs and look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to the local community.”
Last week, Active Travel England announced it would provide the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority with £12m over the next four years. The funding will support schemes such as School Streets and improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes across the region.
Councillor Hodge said the continued investment was good news for Bath & North East Somerset. She said the authority would work closely with the combined authority to deliver safer, greener travel options for residents.
The scheme forms part of the combined authority’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and Bath & North East Somerset Council’s wider Active Travel Masterplan. Together, they aim to make walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choice for more everyday journeys.
Families can keep up to date with transport developments across Bath & North East Somerset via the council’s interactive Transport Action Map on its website. www.bathnes.gov.uk/transport-action-map
