Zig zags and signs warning motorists to keep clear have been installed outside one of the town's primary schools because of concerns for children's safety.

The improvements in busy Pen Close, Haydon Wick, where 219 pupils go to Greenmeadow Primary School, were announced earlier this month because the school and road been identified for inclusion in the third year of the School Safe Environment Zones programme.

The scheme is the borough council’s plan for road safety and congestion improvements for schools in Swindon over the next five years.

Swindon Advertiser: The work has now been completed after beginning at the start of the month.The work has now been completed after beginning at the start of the month. (Image: Dave Cox)

Head teacher Kate Mackinnon, said: “We are really pleased to see that the double yellow lines and zigzags are now in place. The important next step for us now is that everyone follows this.

“Pen Close is a very small road and so it actually is easier to aim not to park there. We are really lucky to be able to offer parking at The Shield and Dagger Pub which is less than a four-minute walk away and at the car park close to Seven Fields and would ask that people also use these spaces.

“A big thanks to the Shield and Dagger from us. We all need to work together to help make the parking better for each other."

It is anticipated that SSEZs will encompass a package of measures that aim to encourage behavioural change and improve safety outside and in the vicinity of schools.

The work at Greenmeadow was completed to coincide with the return of pupils following the half term break.

It included removing double yellow lines and replacing them with a 'school keep clear' sign as well as refreshing the existing double yellow and adding new double yellow lines.

Several other 'school keep clear' signs have been implemented and updates to the flashing ambers lights were also carried out.

Swindon Advertiser: The Shield & Dagger pub has offered its carpark for use by parents this month.The Shield & Dagger pub has offered its carpark for use by parents this month. (Image: Dave Cox)

The head urged parents to consider alternative ways of getting children to the school. “As the warmer weather is coming we also hope that as many people as possible continue to walk, bike or scoot.

“We have had Bikeability in for our Foundation Stage children this week and have been impressed with their balance and enjoyment of riding. Later this year we will continue with further Bikeability sessions and other walking and scooting projects.”