Plans have been approved to extend a 40mph speed limit on a Wiltshire road after a child was injured in a crash.

A proposal to extend the 40mph speed limit on Frees Avenue, on the outskirts of Marlborough, has been implemented by Wiltshire Council.

The speed limit was lowered from 60mph on the affected section of the road, which stretches from Marlborough Common towards Rockley, on October 9.

Enforcement of this revised speed limit will not begin until the installation of 40mph signage is fully completed.

The decision to implement the change was made by Cllr Nick Holder, the Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, street scene, and flooding.

In his decision notice, he said: “The proposal is intended to improve road and pedestrian safety and to reduce concerns of safety expressed by Marlborough Town Council.

“I approve the implementation of the proposals as advertised.”

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Frees Avenue in MarlboroughFrees Avenue in Marlborough (Image: Marlborough Town Council) The decision comes after Marlborough Town Council pushed for a speed limit reduction over safety concerns.

A report found that 10 crashes had been recorded on the road in the six years prior to the assessment.

It added that the route is commonly used as a crossing point by children accessing Marlborough Common.

The report said: “The Common, adjacent to Frees Avenue, is used by a range of community user groups and individuals for recreation and leisure purposes.

“There are 300-plus juniors who train with Marlborough Rugby Football Club on Sunday mornings and weekdays.

“The majority cross Frees Avenue to train on the pitches which are located on the northern side of Frees Avenue.

“Marlborough Town Council has desired a reduced speed limit for this section of Frees Avenue following a Road Traffic Collison whereby a child was hit by a car when crossing the road.”

However, a consultation on the proposed plans did receive strong objections from one respondent.

They said: “I cannot recall the road being an accident blackspot and haven't felt unsafe when being passed by traffic at 60mph when on my bike or walking.

“Roads which are used by school children and cyclists within Marlborough would benefit more from improvement to reduce danger and give a better return on any money spent.”

Following the consultation a report recommended readvertising the proposal with amended plans that greatly reduced the section of road included, with the 40mph merely covering the entrance to the cemetery.

But the decision was called in and on October 1 Cllr Holder implemented the proposal as advertised.