WORK on a road crossing, that will aid schoolchildren in a Hampshire town to walk home safely, is set to start, civic chiefs have confirmed.

Speaking to chairman of Romsey School governors Judith Houghton, Hampshire County Council’s transport boss Rob Humby said that work is underway on the safe crossing in Duttons Road.

This comes after locals, including students, parents and community leaders, petitioned the authority to build the crossing as soon as possible, after it confirmed intentions to take on the project.

Now it is anticipated that a public consultation will take place early in the new year.

“This is most welcome news,” says Romsey’s county councillor, Mark Cooper.

“I’ve already written to Cllr Humby thanking for his positive approach. The safety of pedestrians and school children crossing this very busy road is paramount.”

Romsey School headteacher Colm McKavanagh was also delighted by the news.

“We are so pleased at Romsey School that the work on this crossing is about to start,” he said.

“It is something that we have been campaigning for along with parents for the last two years.

“I would like to thank Hampshire County Council for making this a priority at a time when budgets are tight.

“It is reassuring to know that the safety of the children who use this crossing is paramount and this will benefit not only those who attend Romsey School but also the local community who now have safe access to the railway station and other amenities.”

As reported, campaigners called on civic chiefs to progress with their promise of installing the puffin crossing after years of campaigning.

Last month Hampshire County Council confirmed it would “progress plans” with the installation of the crossing in Duttons Road to aid students walking to the town’s railway station and industrial estate.

But Nik Daas, founder of Romsey Youth Voices who launched a petition for crossing to be installed by October 2018, said: “This is good progress by the council although we shouldn’t count our chickens just yet. As it’s been stated there is still a consultation stage amongst other hurdles to be cleared first.

“I am pleased to see the council is taking this matter seriously now and are moving swiftly to implement the crossing.”