A BUSY road on the outskirts of Tavistock should soon be a lot safer for pedestrians, thanks to the construction of a new footpath.

The path is to be built along a section of New Launceston Road, from St Maryhaye estate to Bolt House Close.

The 30mph road has always been a popular route for schoolchildren and residents, and with a footpath in place from St Maryhaye it would also connect people in the estate to Tavistock Hospital on Spring Hill.

Members of the West Devon Highways and Traffic Orders (HATOC) committee met on March 20 and agreed to approve the new footpath.

Previous to the meeting, site visits were held and members were able to see first-hand what the public walking along the road have to contend with.

The proposed footway scheme on New Launceston Road was originally identified in the 2013/14 local scheme programme and provides a link between the west side of St Maryhaye and Tavistock Hospital along a route currently used by children on their way to and from school.

Deputy chair of HATOC, county councillor Debo Sellis, said: 'The footpath is something which is needed.

'A few years ago people demonstrated that they were very concerned about the whole issue.

'Councillors listened to the numerous comments and concerns by residents over the past few years, and the highway officers have also agreed and demonstrated their concern and said a footpath was needed.

'Hopefully this will mean that pedestrians are safer and cars will drive slower.'

The preliminary estimate of the footpath will cost around £60,000.

Cllr Sellis said: 'This has been in the pipeline for a long time and the money was already in the budget — the footpath has long been recognised as a priority.'