Green light for safer walking routes in Midsomer Norton
New funding will improve walking routes in Midsomer Norton, helping children travel to school more safely.
The Clapton Road and Redfield Road improvement scheme, which was consulted on earlier this year, is scheduled for construction in 2026. It aims to improve pedestrian safety and connections between three local schools: Longvernal Primary School, St John’s Church of England Primary School, and Somervale School.
It has received a £500,000 grant from the Active Travel Fund 5 via the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Planned improvements include:
- Two new zebra crossings
- Wider, smoother pavements
- Improved pedestrian access into Somervale School
- Dropped kerbs
- Extension of the 20mph speed limit
See a plan of the improvements here. The proposals received support during public consultation, and the council will be working closely with the schools and residents as the scheme progresses.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Delivery at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said:
“These pedestrian improvements will make choosing to walk safer and easier, particularly for children and families on their way to school. They support our commitment to reducing reliance on cars for short journeys, enabling healthier lifestyles and cleaner air.
“I’m very pleased that this scheme has received the funding it needs and look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to the local community.
“This continued funding is good news for the region. We’ll work closely with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to deliver the best possible schemes for Bath & North East Somerset, ensuring safer, greener travel options for everyone.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“We know that active travel is good for our health and good for our planet, so being empowered to make those choices easier remains important.
“More money for improving walking, wheeling, and cycling routes across the West means that we can continue to invest in things like School Streets and safer walking routes like these ones for a trio of schools in Midsomer Norton.
“This funding adds to the record transport funding that we secured from the government in the Spending Review, which will see better buses, more trains, and mass transit plans, and our recent three-year Bus Grant.”
Last week, Active Travel England announced it would provide the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority with £12m over the next four years to invest in schemes like School Streets and walking, wheeling and cycling routes across the region.
The scheme forms part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and Bath & North East Somerset Council’s wider Active Travel Masterplan, which aims to make walking, wheeling, and cycling the natural choice for more journeys across the region.
To stay informed on the latest transport developments across Bath & North East Somerset, including this scheme, check out the council’s interactive Transport Action Map.
Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
