PLANS to improve road safety at two newly-relocated primary schools have been unveiled.

The proposed measures include improving walking and cycling routes near the schools in Ruthin and parents and guardians have been invited to have their say.

Staff from Denbighshire County Council’s road safety team visited Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras on Monday to talk about proposed improvements along the Glasdir Link Road.

Concerns had been raised about routes to the new schools, which have been relocated on to the Glasdir Estate.

They are accessed via the link road and Denbigh Road, which can be busy at the start of the school day.

The public has been invited to view the safety team’s plans – which include improving visibility at various crossing points along the route for pedestrians and cyclists and making it easier to travel to school by bike or on foot – at a Ruthin Town Council public meeting at the town hall next Monday (September 24) at 7pm.

Ruthin county councillor and cabinet member for education Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, who is chair of the governors at Ysgol Pen Barras, said he was reassured by the plans.

He said: “It’s really positive that we are having these meetings. We have now had a full term at the schools to understand the travel patterns of families to school.

“The changes being put forward reflect this in order to ensure that we are putting safety first and we welcome feedback on the consultation so we can make sure we get it right for the safety of the children and parents of Ruthin.”

Questions had been raised over the absence of safety measures on the busy road prior to the opening of the two schools, which have a total of 500 pupils, aged five to 11.

The council had carried out a term-long trial period at the end of the previous academic year to understand the travel patterns of families to and from the school, but parents had been unaware that the trial was taking place.

News of the public meeting came as relief to mum of two Lileith Gordon, who had previously said she was “scared” for her own children and fearful over the safety of others because of trucks “mindlessly going hell-for-leather along the road”.

She said: “I am glad the county council will be addressing this issue sooner rather later, as it is paramount for pedestrians and young cyclists alike to feel safe when using the pavements.

“With the new schools there, more and more people have taken to walking.”

Ysgol Pen Barras headteacher Marc Jones also welcomed news of the meeting, saying: “I think this is an excellent idea. It is a very busy road and a dangerous route to travel to school.

“I know parents have concerns about road safety, even with the proposed plans.

“The council is looking into easing the dangers of the of the road, such as by providing more refuge on the island crossings.

“It is important to get the views of parents and the community to ensure their concerns are addressed.”