DANGEROUS pedestrian access to Pewsey railway station is to be tackled after new plans to change the route for walkers were examined.

Representatives from Great Western Railway, Pewsey Parish Council and MP Claire Perry met to discuss the move, which could see the pedestrian access diverted away from the busy A345 and along the quieter Wilcot Road.

At the moment there are a range of unofficial routes used by passengers waling to the station, including alongside the A345 which has been described as a danger spot.

The next stage of the plan will see residents consulted about the move. which has been discussed after an earlier plan to introduce traffic lights outside the railway station was rejected.

Peter Deck, of the Community Area Transport Group, said: “It was a very enthusiastic meeting. A previous scheme involved putting in traffic lights outside the railway station which would hold up traffic on the A345.

“This new option to get to the station using a different route is much cheaper and will not hold up the traffic.

“The current route has a hill, a corner and the railway bridge so it is very awkward.”

Mr Deck is hopeful that plans can be confirmed by the end of April and the new route will be in use by the summer.

Signs, lighting and groundworks are needed in the area to direct people away from the dangerous roadway route and into the residential area, which means a slightly longer route. Pewsey councillor Jerry Kunkler said: “It was brought to our attention by residents who were concerned about the safety of the route by the A345.

“One option would be to make a new safer walkway through Wilcot Road.

“We will be consulting with residents who live there. It has been like this for the last 50 years but there have been some near misses during this time.”

Dan Okey, GWR regional development manager, said: “Pewsey is a key station for the area, with more people using it year on year and new Intercity Express trains to be introduced from this summer. We are delighted Wiltshire Council and the parish council are looking at ways to improve pedestrian access to the station and we will be pleased to work with them.”