PEDESTRIANS crossing a busy Trowbridge road can now cross in safety with the installation of a new intelligent crossing.

The new crossing is now in place on Bradley Road, near the junction with College Road, a busy place for school children and students to cross.

The crossing is a new Puffin system, which is more intelligent than a Pelican crossing the lights do not change if the button is pressed but the pedestrian changes their mind. The lights will also change more quickly if the pedestrians have crossed to help keep traffic flowing.

The new crossing has been welcomed by nearby Holbrook School whose children regularly cross the road.

New headteacher Christine Wilmott, who started at the school in September, said: "It is a very difficult road to cross and is used by a lot of children. We have been working hard this term on road safety.

"We have sent out leaflets to stop parking outside the school gates. We want children to be safe walking to and from school. We also want to encourage people not to drive to school and the crossing will certainly help."

Trowbridge mayor Jeff Osborn helped resident Janet Carpenter of Ashmead, organise a petition for a crossing five years ago.

Cllr Osborn said: "Mrs Carpenter and a friend started the petition, and she got involved because she wanted a safe crossing for her son as he walked to school. To start with, they were fobbed off but we stuck with it and can finally celebrate."