By Isle of Wight Observer
Residents in Niton will benefit from safer walking routes this autumn, with new pedestrian crossings being introduced at key locations in the village.
The pedestrian access project will create two clearly defined crossing points, on Rectory Road near the bus stop, and on Church Street.
The improvements are designed to make crossings more visible to drivers, reduce the distance pedestrians need to cross, and improve access to local shops, services, and public transport.
Work is planned from Monday, October 12, to Friday, October 23, and will be carried out in three phases.
The first phase, from October 12 to 16, will see the Rectory Road crossing installed. Rectory Road will be closed at its junction with High Street, with traffic to and from Whitwell diverted via Godshill, Rookley, Chale Green and Chale.
Footway improvements outside the local supermarket will follow, from October 19 to 20, when Newport Road will be closed at its junction with Church Street and parking suspended on part of Church Street.
The final phase, from October 21 to 23, will see a crossing installed on Church Street. The one-way system on Star Inn Road, Blackgang Road and High Street will be temporarily suspended, with multi-way traffic lights controlling traffic.
The closures will operate 24 hours a day, although pedestrian access will be maintained. A 6ft 6in width restriction will also apply on Blackgang Road and Church Street.
Norris Stores car park will remain open throughout.
Local councillor, Claire Critchison, said improving pedestrian access in Niton had been raised many times at community meetings and through parish council surveys.