THE second phase of work to build a brand-new path for primary school pupils to travel safely through Ruthin is underway.

The 'Safe Routes in Communities' project, which will provide a pedestrian link between Ruthin town centre and the Glasdir Estate primary school site, has been designed by Denbighshire County Council (DCC) for parents to make safer travel arrangements for their children and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

The work began in October last year and was launched after DCC received criticism from parents and county councillors, as well as Llyr Gruffydd, AM for North Wales, saying Rhos Street School and Pen Barras pupils cycling to school from the town centre had no alternative to the busy Link Road.

The second stage of work will see the path built across Park Road, through Park Road car park and on to Clwyd Street. This will involve the widening the pavement of the A494 trunk road between Ruthin Fire Station and the Texaco garage on the town side.

DCC is also constructing raised pavements in Park Road car park instead of the concrete blocks currently in place.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Ruthin county councillor, said: "We welcome the second phase of the work, which is being carried out following the construction of the Glasdir school site.

"The path will offer a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists to travel in Ruthin and encourage a healthy lifestyle."

The work is expected to be completed later this year.