WORKS for a new pelican crossing in Herefordshire are set to start in just a few days for the safety of school children.

For several years, people living in Lugwardine, outside Hereford on the A438 Ledbury Road, have wanted a new crossing near St Mary's RC High School.

Herefordshire Council's highways team have announced the work will start on August 1 and take four weeks to complete during the school summer holidays.

A temporary multi-way traffic lights will be in place on the A438 while works are carried out.

It is for the safety of schoolchildren and residents, said a Hereford Highways spokesperson.

RELATED NEWS:

“We are sorry for any inconvenience,” they added.

But the work will only be for a zebra crossing near the entrance to the school and Traherne Close, and not a footpath down to the bus stop in the direction of Hereford.

Herefordshire Council documents from May 2021 said a private wall would reduce the footpath width and it needed to acquire land.

Then in March 2022, Bartestree with Lugwardine Group Parish Council minutes show there had to be a review into costs.

With £150,000 previously set aside from Section 106 money, those from housing developers who build in the area, high preliminary costs led to a review.

“The preliminary costs for the scheme have been submitted to the council, these were high and as such the council and BBLP (Balfour Beatty Living Places) have undertaken a task to review before committing to deliver," meeting minutes said.

OTHER NEWS:

"This work has now been completed and the costs returned are more realistic though due to current circumstances, fuel prices will continue to influence.

"The council is progressing and will provide and update on the programme as soon as this is confirmed."

The same minutes also said that the work would not have been able to be finished over the Easter holidays, so the next available window would be when the summer holidays start.

Paul Andrews, Hagley ward's councillor, said work will start on August 1 which this day is called the mobilisation day.

Then 20 days of civil work start the following day. Street Lighting for three days starts on August 23, then demobilisation on August 26.

"I understand that temporary crossing lights will be placed until the signal installation and commissioning takes place for one week starting on Monday, October 10," he said.

"This is during half term holidays. I and the parish council will be kept informed on the works."