Central government funding could be used to deliver a new, safer crossing on one of Glastonbury's busiest roads.

The Wirral Park roundabout (known locally as the B&Q roundabout) links the A39 between Street and Wells with the A361 towards Pilton, as well as providing access to the town's Tesco score, Travelodge, KFC drive-thru and a range of other businesses.

The Glastonbury Safe Crossings Campaign has been pushing since January for a new crossing near the roundabout to make it easier for residents of the Millstream housing estate to access local services – with campaigners arguing in February that it was "inevitable that someone will get killed" if such a crossing was not delivered.

Somerset Council has now confirmed it will carry out a feasibility study into planned crossings, and hinted that the chosen solutions could attract funding from central government.

Campaign group member Susannah Clemence addressed the issue when the council's executive committee met in Taunton on August 6 – stating almost 300 people had signed a petition in favour of a new crossing.

She said: "We have been especially campaigning for a safe multi-user crossing near KFC and Travelodge, where the busy, fast road through to Wells cuts off residential areas and the main tourism destinations from major supermarkets, hotels and the manufacturing district, as well as from bus stops, the skatepark, Wearyall Hill and the direct walking and cycling route to Street.

"At present, many people, especially those too young, old or poor to drive, have to dodge heavy traffic to get to school and college, to walk dogs, to go shopping and to work, or to catch buses to Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil.

"It is so dangerous to walk or cycle around this junction, that people with access to a car are forced to drive distances of a few yards, even when they would rather not, adding to traffic jams, pollution and danger."

Mendip District Council completed a local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP) before its abolition in April 2023, laying out a series of improvements which should be prioritised across the former district.

In Glastonbury, the LCWIP identifies the need for a new crossing near the Ranger Road junction and improvements to the Wirral Park roundabout to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Ms Clemence continued: "We understand from Glastonbury Town Council that your highways team will undertake a feasibility study for such a crossing. This is great news.

"What will be the scope of the feasibility study, in terms of depth, detail, timespan and which branches of the junction will be included?

"We are told external funding is required. In order to gather funds, and so our respective roles are defined, including the council's authority and support to approach major bodies for funds and permissions, please set out the protocols and procedures, and any precedents that might be a guide."

A feasibility study into such crossings is expected to cost anywhere from £4,000 to in excess of £20,000, and could take anywhere between a month and five months to complete, depending on the scope of the initial investigations.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and waste services, praised Ms Clemence for her level of "community engagement", ensuring that any agreed crossing would enjoy public support.

He went on to say: "We're currently reviewing the cope of the feasibility study and expect to engage with key stakeholders once this is confirmed.

"In general terms, the study will aim to identify preferred solutions for a safe crossing area, set out a programme for developing a detailed design, and provide an outline of estimated costs for delivery.

"The feasibility study is being funded by Active Travel England at this stage.

"It is anticipated that delivery of any agreed scheme may be eligible for future government funding, and we look forward to working collaboratively on this very important matter."