A new pedestrian crossing has been installed on Weymouth Way after a campaign by the community.

Local people campaigned successfully for the crossing, taking a petition to Dorset County Council, and work began last autumn.

Cllr David Harris, county councillor for the Westham division in Weymouth, said: “This new crossing is an important link to the town centre for the 1,000 or so households in Southill.

“The crossing means local people of all ages and abilities can walk and cycle safely into town as an alternative to driving.

“It is also an important link in the joining up of the various cycle routes in the borough.”

The two-year Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) project aims to make journeys in and around Weymouth and Dorchester easier, giving people more travel choices.

The pedestrian crossing is part of a wider scheme to improve cycling and walking facilities in Weymouth, making them safer and encouraging people to leave their cars at home .

Pedestrian islands from the roundabout to Westham Junction were installed last year. Work is continuing on the cycleway between Chafeys roundabout and Manor roundabout and should be completed in May.

Sustrans area manager Kevin Humphreys said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide £289,000 DfT Cycle Safety Funding towards the crossings for the Weymouth Way and the cycleway.”