PARENTS on Ridgeway Farm are calling for greater safety measures, saying a diversion of traffic through the estate is a danger to school children.

Cowleaze Road through the700-home development has become a rat run from the A4198 after a section of the B4553 south of the estate was closed off last week to be pedestrianised.

Homeowners are experiencing a steady stream of cars and lorries, bypassing the The Ridgeway Farm CE Academy and children's play area on an adjoining buffer road.

Now meetings with Wiltshire Councillor Jacqui Lay, the headteacher Mrs Carly Luce, and developer Taylor Wimpey, will discuss putting in a zebra and pelican crossing on both roads to alleviate the concerns.

Resident Gerry White told the Adver: "The road is very busy even though it is a b road, cars and HGVs use it all the time, the approach to the roundabout at Sparcells is on a hill so just imagine the traffic queuing there in rush hour.

"Not only is the risk of accidents greatly increased but the pollution will be awful."

Some residents also voiced their concern on Facebook that they weren't properly informed about the diversion when buying a home.

Joanna O'shea said she had to stop her children playing outside, and added: "People were either misinformed or not informed at all, misleading them into buying a house on a quiet family estate where it is safe.

"They have a duty of care, they need to be accountable for."

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: "As part of the requirements set out in planning permissions, the section of the road is being pedestrianised and will provide improved access and cycleway links.

“The safety of residents and the public is paramount to Taylor Wimpey and with this in mind we are reviewing further safety measures, including an additional crossing point and permanent school warning signs, but no plans are finalised at this stage.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst we complete these works on the road network around Ridgeway Farm.”