NEW railings have been installed alongside the River Avon in Chippenham to make walking along the footpath safer.

Chippenham Town Council have installed the railings between the Town Bridge and Wetherspoons at a cost of just under £16,000 which stretch for almost 70 metres.

A gate has also been installed in the railings allowing anglers, who often use that stretch of the Avon to fish, to have continued access to the riverbank.

Councillor Peter Hutton, chairman of the council’s planning, environment and transport committee, said: “I’m delighted to see the town council investing in improving the safety of our town centre, particularly at night.

“The town centre is getting busier with more going on, more activities and events.

“Public safety is paramount so we are pleased to have completed this work on a well-used and busy footpath alongside the river.”