Safer crossing for Ilfracombe schoolchildren

SCHOOLCHILDREN in Ilfracombe will be able to get to class more safely after the go-ahead was given for a new zebra crossing. Devon County Councillors approved plans for the safety crossing at Highfield Road at a highways meeting in Barnstaple. Ilfracombe

SCHOOLCHILDREN in Ilfracombe will be able to get to class more safely after the go-ahead was given for a new zebra crossing.

Devon County Councillors approved plans for the safety crossing at Highfield Road at a highways meeting in Barnstaple.

Ilfracombe C of E Primary School backed the proposal which resulted from increasing concern at congestion near the school entrance.

Highway engineer Joe Deasy said the crossing would also provide a pedestrian link to High Street shops which would serve residents and the on-street parking areas south of Highfield Road.

"It will greatly improve the walking route for children attending the primary school as well as other road users in the area," he said.

The crossing, estimated to cost �26,600, will be funded through the council's Towns Villages and Rural Communities programme of the "Devon on the Move" Devon Local Transport Plan.

l At the same meeting, councillors discussed a proposal to introduce a 40mph speed limit on the A361 at Portmore Roundabout, Barnstaple. Members asked the area engineer for more information.