Engineers are proposing to install new crossings, a cycle path, wider footways, established parking bays and new signs and road markings in Needingworth Road, creating a safer link between St Audrey Lane and Quadrant.

The news follows our report last week which revealed that proposals had been put forward to create a new cycle path and walk way from the A1123 St Audrey Lane, along Pig Lane and Broad Leas, to the town centre.

For years councillors and residents have been battling for action to be taken because drivers often cut off a corner of the bypass between the A1123 and the Meadow Lane roundabout and use Needingworth Road instead.
Huntingdonshire district councillor for St Ives Cllr Doug Dew welcomed the move.

He said: "I have been dealing with the issues in Needingworth road since I became a district councillor six years ago and it is great to see something finally happening.

"I know this is not exactly what some people want, but it is a start.
"This scheme will see a safer route established between St Audrey Lane and the Quadrant and proposes things such as footpath widening and crossings – a complete set of works.
"It does look as if this will go ahead. It is very positive."

The proposals will see clearly marked cycle paths being established in Needingworth Road as well as two crossings and clear signs indicating that cyclists may be crossing the road.

District councillor John Davies said he had been pressing for measures to be taken for the 15 years he has been a councillor.
He said: "This is really good news.
"Residents have been concerned about the road being used as a rat run and we have been campaigning and lobbying for years to get something done.

"They have wanted crossings in Needingworth Road for some time now.
"Hopefully this scheme will also encourage people to use their bicycles rather than their cars."
He said one thing he could not see in the plans was a no right turn into Needingworth Road from St Audrey Lane.

He added: "This would ease traffic congestion as traffic would not back up behind cars which want to turn right.
"It shouldn't be too much of a problem for residents who do want to turn right as they can always drive 100m to the roundabout, drive back up and turn left instead."

At the moment the plans have been put out to local councillors for comment but it is hoped they will go to public consultation at a later date.
They are part of a wider scheme to improve the walking and cycling network in the town.
Cambridgeshire County Council said the scheme is currently just a proposal and because it is early days costings or a schedule or work had yet to be confirmed.
>> Councillors have until November 17 to comment on the proposals.