CHANGES have been made to a road in Malmesbury that could save lives in the future.

The layout of the Common Road junction from Foxley Road, heading out towards Corston, has changed to improve pedestrian safety on the by-way.

A granite ‘build out’ has been positioned to provide a narrowing of the road, thereby hopefully reducing the speed of incoming vehicles.

It will also provide additional protection to pedestrians and riders emerging from the by-way who often face vehicles being driven in excess of the limit and cutting the corner into Common Road.

The changes have been made after residents raised the issue with Wiltshire Council.

Cllr Roger Budgen of the St. Paul Malmesbury Without parish believes the changes could prevent accidents in the future.

“You get people driving at really excessive speeds on the road,” he said.

“What we’re aiming to do with advice from highways is to give motorists a reason to slow down.

“We want to stop people sweeping into Common Road as all of sudden cars cut in and can appear right in front of you.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “This scheme is designed to improve safety at this junction, and was initiated by local residents contacting their area board. The work, backed by Malmesbury Town Council, will slow down traffic and prevent cars cutting across the front of the adjacent byway.

“We’d always encourage residents to contact their local area board should they have any highways concerns.”