Lechlade may get much needed crossing (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Lechlade may get much needed crossing

THE efforts of a Lechlade mum could see a pedestrian crossing introduced to a busy road in the centre of the town.

Rosey Oakes found it so difficult trying to cross High Street with her two children, aged seven and four, that she decided to get something done.

Now, about one-year after her initial involvement, Gloucestershire County Council's highways department has agreed to free funding to install a puffin crossing by the Market Place car park, between the Post Office and Londis.

The crossing is similar to a pelican crossing, but has detectors that can tell when people are waiting to cross and work on a sensory basis, controlling the light signals so pedestrians have time to cross safely.

Mrs Oakes, 36, from The Spinney, explained she found it difficult to cross the road with her children, and noticed pensioners also found it difficult.

She said: "I just found it incredibly difficult to cross the road and I thought if I find it difficult and I'm quite fit and healthy think how it must be for the elderly."

She then stood outside Barclays Bank - where people currently use a traffic island to help them cross the road - and asked people to sign a petition calling for a pedestrian crossing.

The reaction from people, particularly the elderly, was so positive she approached the area's county councillor Ray Theodoulou, who took up the case.

Although there are traffic lights at the nearby Thames Street junction with High Street, she said people are uncertain when it is safe to cross.

As part of the safety improvements the county council could also introduce a push button pedestrian crossing at the Thames Street junction.

Cllr Theodoulou said he raised the issue with the county council who then completed a traffic survey and informed him there was a need for safer crossing places.

Cllr Theodoulou said: "If everyone agrees with it, it could be working some time in the autumn.

"These don't come cheaply, if it happens we are all delighted."

The county council has held preliminary discussions with a group of Lechlade Town Councillors and the plans can now be viewed at the town council offices.

Lechlade mayor Mike Cawsey said: "Something needs to be done."

A spokesman for the county council confirmed the consultation process is now underway.