Work to improve safety around the entrance of an Eastbourne is due to start next week.

The £86,000 scheme for Willingdon Community School in Eastbourne will include the narrowing of the road, installation of a zebra crossing, improved street lighting and illuminated road signs.

The surface of Broad Road, outside the school, will be coated with anti-skid material near the crossing, which will also act as a speed cushion.

Tony Reid, Cabinet member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, said: "Making the roads safer for all users across the county is a priority.

"This is a major safety scheme for the school and there will be some inevitable delays but I am sure the benefits will outweigh these once the scheme is completed."

Six letters of complaint were received after the scheme was put forward for consideration in April.

Residents feared the road changes could alter the bus route, a fear quashed by bosses of Eastbourne Buses.

Temporary traffic controls will be put in place and the road will be closed for two Sundays. The work is expected to be completed within five weeks.

School business manager Andy Webb said: "The Safe Routes to Schools is part of a government strategy to make it safer for kids to get to school. We have also installed a cycle shed to encourage children to ride to school as well.

"It is a very busy road because a lot of parents drop children off by car."