A NEW zebra crossing on a busy road in Wallingford is set to make life safer for school pupils and other residents in the town.

About £12,000 has been set aside from developer contributions for the crossing in Reading Road, close to the St Lucian’s Lane junction, and a final decision is due to be made by Oxfordshire County Council in July.

Lynda Atkins, the independent county councillor for Wallingford, said the crossing would be a big help to parents and pupils heading to St John’s Primary School, and to patients walking to the GP surgery or community hospital.

Ms Atkins said: “Reading Road is a busy road and needs a crossing.

“I first called for this two or three years ago, so it is long overdue.

“This is a crucial crossing for Wallingford, as it will help the elderly get across the road to the GP surgery and, at the other end of the spectrum, pupils from St John’s Primary.

“I would like to see the crossing in place before the beginning of the new school year.”

The council is now consulting on the proposals.