WORK on up to 20 highways improvement schemes has started in Timsbury as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s £240,000 investment to improve pedestrian safety and reduce speeding traffic in the area.

The highways work includes improvements to footways, providing safer crossing points for pedestrians and introducing measures to reduce vehicle speeds.

The improvements, supported by the local ward member and Timsbury Parish Council, aim to make Timsbury more accessible and safer for people walking and wheeling. Several improvements to be installed on North Road will slow the speeds of traffic, making the journey to St Mary’s CofE Primary School safer for families.

Some of the more significant schemes will widen footways and introduce build-outs and give-way points to reduce vehicle speeds, particularly at junctions with pedestrian crossing points.

Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said: “It’s great to roll-out these schemes at sites across the village that will help make people’s journeys safer and more accessible. Some of the work we’re doing might seem like small changes, a new dropped kerb or a new speed table at a school crossing, but these can make a big difference to people’s day-to-day lives.”

Jamie Thomson, head of St Mary’s CofE Primary School, said: “We’re delighted to see work begin on these vital safety improvements in Timsbury. The measures on North Road will make a real difference to our families’ daily journeys, helping children travel to school more safely and confidently."

Works in the village began in October, with the council aiming to complete all of the schemes by April next year. The works will be carried out over three phases.

Temporary traffic signals and road closures may be required at various sites and residents who will be affected by works are being contacted directly by the council.