A BUSY Frome road that is often used by schoolchildren will finally see a zebra crossing installed in the coming months.

Residents have been calling for a pedestrian crossing at The Butts since 2009, as schoolchildren struggle to navigate the high volume of traffic when travelling to and from school.

Several campaigns have been launched over the years to see a crossing installed – and campaigners can breathe a sigh of relief as Frome Town Council has confirmed work will start next week to implement a new zebra crossing near the junction of Water Lane and Somerset Road.

The crossing forms part of the Safer School Streets scheme which encourages children to walk to school, funded by central government and implemented by Somerset Council, active travel charity Sustrans and Frome Town Council.

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Somerset Road, between The Butts and Whitewall Road, will be closed from Monday, February 17 to Saturday, April 5 as work begins.

Local signage will be in place, and no traffic access will be possible through the junction of Somerset Road and The Butts in either direction during this time.

Temporary traffic lights will operate on The Butts and Butts Hill throughout, with overnight full road closures scheduled between March 31 and April 5.

A temporary pedestrian crossing will be in operation between Water Lane and Somerset Road throughout the work. The two bus stops on The Butts/Butts Hill will be out of use.

No traffic access is possible through the junction of Somerset Road and The Butts, in either direction on Somerset Road between The Butts and Whitewell Road Picture during the works: FTC

As well as the installation of a zebra crossing, the area will also see other highway improvements such as sections of raised and coloured tarmac, speed bumps, and additional yellow lines following a consultation of key stakeholders and residents of The Butts by Somerset Council.

Busy stretch of road

Councillor Anita Collier, lead councillor for road safety at Frome Town Council, said the new crossing will make the road safer for all.

“We’re pleased to receive details of the works on this long-awaited zebra crossing,” she said.

“For as long as I’ve been a town councillor in Frome, people have asked why there isn’t an official crossing at the busy junction of The Butts and Somerset Road.

“And they’re right; it’s a busy stretch of road, and many people, including a high volume of schoolchildren, find it logical and convenient to cross there.

“An official crossing creates clarity about rights of way and makes the road safer for everyone.

“Our colleagues at Somerset Council have devised the plan for the works with minimal disruption in mind, although of course all works of this nature represent some inconvenience.

“As with all such works, the schedule is subject to change, especially at this time of year when the weather is less reliable. Thank you for your patience while the contractors undertake this important work.”

“This crossing has been installed in response to concerns raised”

Sarah Leeming, South of England Director at Sustrans, said the new crossing would complement the Safer School Streets work – which drew criticism from residents over the “confusing” road markings.

“This new crossing on National Cycle Network Route 24 complements the Safer School Streets work in Frome,” she said.

“During the engagement work carried out since autumn 2021, we sought the views of local residents and families, who shared their ambitions for a safer school run and improved streets.

“This crossing has been installed in response to concerns raised about this busy junction.

“Designing the streets around schools so that people are prioritised over traffic will make the school run safer, not just for families but for everyone choosing to travel by walking, cycling and using wheelchairs and children’s buggies.”

Queries about the crossing and about any aspect of the Safer School Streets project can be sent to engage@frometowncouncil.gov.uk.

Dates, times, and details of the works will be updated regularly at https://bit.ly/frome-school-streets.