PLANS to make roads safer for schoolchildren in Malvern are a step closer, following the publication of results from a public consultation.

Worcestershire County Council held an exhibition and leaflet drop asking residents what changes they would like to see under its Safer Routes to Schools initiative.

A 20mph speed limit near Somers Park Primary School received backing from 95 per cent of respondents, while 90 per cent said they would like to see new and improved road crossings at the site.

Concerns were raised about provision for car parking near Malvern Link CE Primary School and 80 per cent of residents who responded voted in favour of a 20mph speed limit there.

Improvements to the pedestrian crossing at Barnard's Green roundabout were supported by 78 per cent, while 80 per cent wanted to see new footpaths at the bottom of Geraldine Road, near The Chase.

Seventy-five per cent of people supported a proposal to improve the crossing at the junction of Pickersleigh Road and North End Lane, while 77 per cent favoured the bulding of a new cycle lane to Powick Primary School.

The proposals will now go forward to the detailed design stage and the council will publicise them in order to find out if there are any objections. If the proposals are adopted, building work could get under way in late 2002.

Stuart Sewell, headteacher of Somers Park Junior School, welcomed the planned changes around his school.

"We're absolutely delighted with the proposals and we want to see them implemented as soon as possible," he said.

"We've not had any near misses with any of our pupils but there have been reports of traffic getting up to 70mph down Howsell Road.

"Eventually, we would like to have a cycle track to the school, but I would hate to see these proposals derailed by people suggesting they are not good enough."