New road markings to provide safer walking routes for pedestrians in Beech are being painted by Hampshire County Council.

A county council spokesperson said: “We are currently in the process of marking new areas for pedestrians with white lines on sections of existing road because the area currently has no pavements.

“This is being done in close consultation with Beech Parish Council to guide pedestrians safely along a clearly signed and marked route, and to help drivers know that people may be walking on this area of the road.

“We expect the project to be completed later this month, weather and road work permissions allowing.”

Beech Road Safety Working Group spokesman Malcolm Ward-Close said: “The new footway is the result of four years’ careful research and planning by Beech Parish Council and Hampshire County Council, and has undergone intensive safety reviews.

“As Beech has no pavements, residents and visitors have no alternative but to walk on the road, taking their chances in the traffic.

“The purpose of the road markings and accompanying signs is to guide pedestrians on to a designated route and to encourage drivers to be more aware of pedestrians and to provide a visual reminder that drivers should expect to encounter people in the road.

“To avoid any confusion, drivers can drive on the pedestrian footway if necessary, for example to make room for vehicles coming the other way, or to gain a better view of the road ahead, always assuming that there are no pedestrians on the path. Please give it a chance.”