BOURTON-on-the-Water is set to have its first permanent pedestrian crossing thanks to a campaign by dedicated villagers.

Residents Ginie and Patrick Moss launched a petition for a crossing to be installed on Station Road outside the Cotswold School in February because of road safety concerns.

After gathering 1,200 signatures, which they presented to Gloucestershire County Council, and gaining support from Liberal Democrat leader Paul Hodgkinson, their hard work has finally paid off.

The council is now bidding for funding for the £55,000 project.

Kathryn Haworth, the council’s highways manager, said: “We are supportive of the proposal for a pedestrian crossing in Station Road and we know it is something the local community and parish council are keen to see.

“Design work is progressing and we are bidding for funding from the capital programme.

We hope will be successful and should know the outcome in 2013.”

Bourton Parish Council has agreed to pay £4,000 towards the cost of a new crossing, while Will Morgan, principal at the Cotswold School, has pledged £2,000.

He said: “The school believes this crossing is vital for the safety of our students and the local community.

“As a school we have thrown our support behind this project and will contribute what we can to make sure it is realised. I am particularly proud it was a member of the Cotswold School staff – Mrs Moss, and her husband Patrick – who have driven the petition for this crossing forward.”

Mrs Moss said: “I’m really pleased. We’ve been putting pressure on highways and working with them throughout the summer.

“It’s been great the response from them. We will keep on putting pressure. We want something to happen now we have got this far.”