A new puffin crossing has opened near an Amersham school.

It has been implemented just outside Hyde Heath Infant School and was officially unveiled to the public earlier this month.

The school and local community have long petitioned for a safe crossing over this busy road through the village for the 60 plus children who attend the establishment.

In February 2021, when the HS2 Road Safety Fund was launched in Buckinghamshire, Andrew Cordiner, on behalf of the Hyde Heath Village Society, submitted an application for the puffin crossing – which has now been realised.

Peter Martin, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport (HS2/EWR), said: “We are delighted to have been able to bring about this improvement for residents and especially children who attend Hyde Heath Infant and Preschool.

“The crossing of Weedon Hill, with a new footpath directly from the crossing to the school gate, will make the journey to and from school much safer for young children and their families.

“The village of Hyde Heath is in an area surrounded by heavy HS2 activity, which has had a significant impact on residents, and we know that the new puffin crossing will be much welcomed by everyone in the local community.

“It is encouraging to see so many children, teachers and governors, together with members of Hyde Heath Village Society and the wider community, joining together to show their appreciation and mark the official opening of the crossing.

“The disruption caused by the ongoing HS2 works on our doorstep continues to be a real headache for many residents.

“However, with access to HS2 funding and working with local communities, we are at least able to address a range of road safety concerns that might otherwise not have been possible so we can continue our efforts to improve road safety for everyone across the county.”

The £153k puffin crossing installation works were carried out by Buckinghamshire Highways and were funded from the HS2 Road Safety Fund.

This fund was developed to leave a legacy of safer roads for communities impacted by HS2 construction.

Whilst funding is limited, many other projects have been completed in other locations around the county, helping to improve road safety.

Julia Tyler, Head Teacher at Hyde Heath Infant School, commented: ”On behalf of the school and wider community, I would like to express our thanks and appreciation for the delivery of this long-awaited and very welcome crossing.

“Accessing the school safely has become increasingly difficult for children and their families as the years have gone by.

“The safety of our community is of paramount importance to us and having the new crossing outside our school has already increased the confidence in our community as they can come to and from school safely each day.”