RESIDENTS can now walk safely into Dilton Marsh after a new pavement was put in place along a dangerous road.

David Sutherland, 39, approached Cllr Jerry Wickham around two years ago raising his concern with the Clivey road, which leads from Standerwick to Dilton Marsh and has become notorious in recent years after a series of accidents.

Cllr Wickham got to work getting the necessary funds together and work was completed last week.

Mr Sutherland, who lives with his wife Laura and their two young children, said: “It has taken two years from raising the issue to walking on the new pavement which is a fantastic turnaround considering the amount of work involved.

“It’s a very dangerous road which people constantly speed along. It was so bad we were forced to drive to Dilton Marsh as it simply wasn’t safe to walk along.

“But now we are able to walk to the village without the fear of being hit thanks to the pavement.

“We must say a huge thank you to Jerry Wickham who understood our concern immediately and worked tirelessly to make it possible.”

The pavement, which cost £40,000 to put in place, runs about 100 metres from the Clearwood junction in the direction of Standerwick.

Cllr Wickham said: “As soon as I was approached by the residents I could see their problem.

“Children were having to walk along the road to get to school and parents felt it was only a matter of time before someone got hurt.

“I spoke to people in County Hall and in the parish council who initially said it wouldn’t be possible but after a bit of persistence I managed to get them to make a contribution and we also got a bid from the highways budget.

“I’m really pleased we were able to make it happen, it means residents can now get to the village in safety.”