A BUSY Ringwood road is to be made safer for schoolchildren with a new pedestrian crossing.

Ringwood Mayor Steve Rippon-Swayne says it is “likely” the crossing on Christchurch Road will be built this financial year.

With heavy congestion at rush hour and school start and finish times, residents and parents have been calling for a safe crossing place at the eastern edge of the town for years.

Now Hampshire Highways have made funds available for the scheme, which would be built on the B3347 south of the mini roundabout that connects Christchurch Road with Mansfield Road.

Mr Rippon-Swayne said: “The crossing is something the town needs and is finally going to get. I am hopeful that the scheme will get under way this financial year, which would be a good thing.

“In the town there are many areas that are safe for pedestrians, but there is no safe crossing place for people in this area at all.

“The railings opposite Greyfriars Community Centre were originally going to be removed but in actual fact they have been deemed as beneficial for pedestrians as they funnel them into an area of safety, so they will be kept.”