YOUNGSTERS will be able to walk or cycle to school with greater ease thanks to new planned footpath improvements.

In a bid to cut carbon emissions and reduce congestion, new links from Sandford and Winscombe to Churchill Community School are being planned by North Somerset Council.

By improving access to the school the unitary authority hopes it will encourage more pupils to walk and cycle to and from home to school, as well as reducing the need for coaches and private cars on the narrow roads in the area.

The council’s executive member for transport, Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, said: “Improving cycle and walking links to the school would also provide wider benefits to the community as a whole.

“Cutting down the number of vehicles travelling to the school will help reduce emissions, save money and encourage healthier lifestyles. It is a smarter choice for everyone concerned.”

The plans are currently at an early stage of development and route details and the provision of a short stretch of private land still need to be discussed.

Funding for the work is included in the 2011/12 budget of the Joint Local Transport Plan.