New pedestrian crossings are to be installed on two busy roads in Otley.

The safety features will be introduced on Newall Carr Road and Burras Lane following sustained pressure from local councillors.

Leeds City Council has agreed to install the Newall Carr Road crossing to help Prince Henry’s Grammar School students get to school more safely. The road has been the scene of several accidents and near-misses involving pedestrians in recent years.

The zebra crossing for Burras Lane, meanwhile, is also intended to reduce the risk of accident for residents.

Referring to Newall Carr Road, Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “We wanted to be able to make sure that the children who attend Prince Henry’s were safe as they travelled to and from the school, and this crossing will help immensely with that.”

Fellow ward Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) added: “We have been working hard with the highways department at Leeds for more than a year now to secure a crossing on this road, as it is one of the danger spots for children and parents from the school, as well as for local residents.”

The councillors are now urging residents to let them know where they think would be the best position for the crossing.

The Burras Lane crossing will be paid for by the city council's highways department along with a £5,500 contribution from Coun Downes’ MICE (Members Improvements in the Community and Environment) fund.

Looking forward to it being put in place within the coming year, Coun Downes said: “After several near misses on this road, I knew it was time for to do something to help increase the safety of both local residents and their children.

“Burras Lane is a very busy spot, with almost continuous traffic and people nipping over to go to Waitrose or the bus stops.

“This will give people the chance to cross safely, cutting down on the danger.

“I am pleased that my long campaign has finally paid off and to be able to help fund something that will have a positive impact on people’s lives.”