Dog-owners will be among people to benefit when a long-awaited pedestrian crossing is opened in Bicester.

Members of Langford Village Community Association asked for a crossing over Launton Road more than a year ago.

Residents wanting to walk into the town were finding it difficult to cross the road because of heavy traffic, and dog-owners, from Longfields, were also finding it difficult to walk their pets on open land.

The crossing will run close to the new Ravenstone House pre-preparatory school and nursery, both on Launton Road.

John Warman, chairman of the community association's environmental committee, said: "We took part in the consultation exercise with Oxfordshire County Council over the crossing. The footpath from the estate is a popular route."

Val Say, community association chairman, said: "Launton Road is busy and the crossing will help people wanting to walk into the town centre."

The crossing is one of three new toucan crossings planned in the town.

A toucan crossing is for pedestrians and cyclists.

John Disley, county council principal transport planner, said all three crossings would be installed this year, to link existing footpaths.

Two toucan crossings have already been placed, at both ends of Southwold Lane, between Banbury and Buckingham Roads.