WORK to improve a major Broadstone road close to several schools has finished, council officials say – and it is hoped the scheme will encourage more parents to send their children to school on foot.

As reported in the Daily Echo, a major redevelopment of Dunyeats Road has been taking place over the past few weeks.

The existing footway on the north side of the road was widened and resurfaced to provide a new shared pedestrian and cycle route.

Three new pedestrian crossings have also been installed near to the junctions of Station Approach, Tudor Road and Water Tower Road.

Changes at the junctions with Tudor Road, Lower Golf Links Road, Upper Golf Links Road and Water Tower Road will give priority to pedestrians and cyclists over drivers.

Motorists are asked to slow down, especially during school times.

Pedestrian access to Broadstone Middle School has been enlarged and the accesses to Broadstone Cemetery have also been upgraded.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at BCP Council, said: “With safer cycle and pedestrian routes now in operation, we hope that parents and guardians will encourage their children to choose healthier forms of travel to Broadstone First School, Broadstone Middle School and Poole Grammar School.

"This will ensure that students arrive for lessons more relaxed and ready to learn, enhancing their overall learning experience."

Work began on the road in mid August. It has taken a month to finish the project, Cllr Hadley said.

“I am pleased to see this significant project completed in such a short space of time and I thank local residents and network users for their patience," he said.

Over the past few weeks, repairs to kerbs, footpaths and drains have been carried out.

Existing bus stops have also been 'improved' and the bus stop adjacent to Broadstone First School has been relocated.

The whole length of the road has also been resurfaced.