CHILDREN in Melksham may have to wait seven years for a safer route to their school.

A request for a footway to Shaw School might not be considered by county council officers until a review of cycleways takes place in 2011.

County councillor Angie Barker said: "This is total madness. We are only talking about 20 or 30 yards of footway and just a few thousand pounds, which in county council terms is peanuts."

Children walking to school from the Dunch Lane and Roundponds area town must walk in the road when the footway in Dunch Lane comes to an end as they reach the Bath Road.

Cllr Barker said: "If we are going to encourage children to walk to school we must offer a safe route."

There are hopes that a plan for safety works outside the Corsham Road entrance to the school will get the go-ahead soon.

The county council has proposed a zebra crossing, footpath widening and warning signs and lights near the crossing.

The crossing should concentrate pedestrians at the southern gate, dividing those on foot from vehicles using the car park.

A previous proposal was rejected by residents and councillors.