WORK to install a crossing on the Bailey in Skipton has started a week earlier than programmed so that it will be ready for when children return to school.

Contractors Raynesway were due to start work on Monday and if all goes to plan the project should be completed within three weeks.

In addition to the crossing, a bus stop with "bus boarder" kerbs is to be constructed at the same time.

County Coun Mike Doyle, who pushed for the work to begin earlier because of delays in drawing up a similar scheme for Brougham Street, said: "This means that the crossing should be ready for the beginning of the new school year, which is great news."

A group of concerned Skipton mothers have been campaigning for a number of traffic calming measures to be installed around town to create safe routes to schools.

Parent Cath Conn, who has spearheaded Skipton Kids in Danger, said her daughter was seriously injured on the Bailey last year.

North Yorkshire County Council's highways department now has plans in place to install sensor-controlled puffin crossings at Brougham Street at its junction with Devonshire Place to protect school children arriving at Parish Church School, and at Mill Bridge at its junction with Water Street.

Work was scheduled to start on Brougham Street on July 24 to be ready in time for the new school year. But objections from residents have meant plans will have to go back to committee in September.