A NEW zebra crossing can finally be installed on an Upton road – more than five years after it was first requested.

Dorset Council’s eastern area planning committee gave final backing to the crossing in Dorchester Road, near the junction with Sea View Road, when it met on Wednesday.

Councillors said they hoped it would make walking and crossing a more attractive proposition to parents and children at Upton infant and junior schools.

A new crossing in the area was suggested by Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council in 2014 as part of its efforts to make it safer for pedestrians to get across the road.

Dorset County Council considered the request at a meeting last year but deferred a decision to allow a full investigation of its need to be carried out.

A report published ahead of Wednesday’s meeting backed the new crossing and said it met with council priorities.

“The proposed zebra crossing is located on the pedestrian desire line for children and parents going to and from the estates north of Dorchester Road,” it said.

“It is hoped that this will encourage walking and cycling to the school, thereby improving health and wellbeing.”

The report was backed by town council chairman councillor June Richards who said it was “very important for Upton” that the crossing be installed.

“This has been five years of waiting for a decision with it first mooted in October 2014,” she said. “It’s on the route to both schools for its pupils coming from the north and both have written supporting the crossing.”

Committee members then unanimously approved its installation

Lytchett Matravers and Upton ward councillor Alex Brenton said: “It’s a crossing that will be used by people going to the schools.

“We have real problems with driving not particularly long distances to the schools and then parking up and causing all sorts of problems for people living there.

“Anything that encourages more people to walk is a good thing.”

Zig Zag markings after the crossing will be replaced with double yellow lines following concerns from Upton Methodist Church it would stop hearses parking outside the building.

And hoods will be installed on the beacons to reduce the amount of light shining into nearby homes.

Installation of the crossing is expected to cost £60,000 with funding already allocated.