Students at Okehampton College will be safer when walking and cycling to school thanks to the completion of two major projects by Devon County Council.

The two projects, with a combined cost of £72,000, were designed to improve access for students.

Previously students had to walk between buses and other parked vehicles. The new scheme includes a crossing point to replace the existing zebra crossing as this will cater for more students and provides better footpaths.

A new off-road walking and cycling route has also been created. This will allow students access to the college via a quieter route with less traffic, instead of having to walk along Exeter Road, which has far higher volumes of traffic.

Cllr Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council executive member for environment, said: 'Encouraging safer cycling to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce car use is a key objective in our Local Transport Plan and creating safer cycling and walking routes is vital to achieve this.'

Okehampton Rural County Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'At long last we have two new safety measures in place for the students of Okehampton College and the public to use.

'The college entrance has long been an area where there is a conflict with students walking and vehicles. The cycle/footpath will also give an easier access to the college and Simmons Park.'

Okehampton College principal, Daryll Chapman, added: 'We are very pleased these works have now been completed. I have been concerned about the safety of our students for some time and with the college growing in size, the amount of traffic in the vicinity of the entrance has been increasing.

'These alterations will help traffic and pedestrian movement and provide a safer entrance and exit from the college site. I would like to thank Devon County Council for acting on these concerns so promptly.'