THE danger of an unofficial crossing near the centre of Cirencester needs to be tackled, according to residents and businesses following two crashes in just over a week.

The unofficial cobbled crossing on Castle Street, close to the junction with Sheep Street, causes confusion for both pedestrians and drivers, according to critics.

This week a 30-year-old woman was knocked down as she crossed the road.

Now Cirencester mayor Joe Harris has written to Gloucestershire Highways asking what can be done to make the crossing safe.

Oli Christie, of Neon Play, has offices opposite the crossing and said he regularly sees accidents and near-misses.

“It’s a big problem. Drivers often don’t indicate and some go their fastest on the straight bit of road from St James Place towards the town centre,” he said.

“Some drivers are nice and stop to let people cross but others are oblivious. There is nothing making them stop, though.”

Mayor of Cirencester Joe Harris called it “one of the town’s blackspots” and a concern as it was a busy route for students walking to Cirencester College and Deer Park School.

“I’ve asked the Highways what the regulation is on that particular area and if there is anything we can do to make it safer or clearer,” he said.

“I’ve had a few people contact me about the issue and it’s something that needs to be dealt with. Any issue of safety for pedestrians or drivers is always a priority.”

Gloucestershire Highways manager Scott MaCaulay-Lowe said he would meet Mr Harris to talk about the concerns.

“The recent accidents are being discussed with the road safety team and the police to better understand the causes,” he said.

Residents have also spoken out.

Jo Eveleigh said there should be a 20mph speed limit throughout the town centre. Martin Stephen Cook on Facebook said the crossing had been an official one in the past: “I can’t understand why on earth it did not continue that way.”