Campaign for safe crossing on dangerous Saffron Walden road

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to have a pedestrian crossing installed on a dangerous stretch of road in Saffron Walden. Elderly people and schoolchildren are particularly at risk from the lack of a safe crossing on Ashdon Road, believes campaign organise

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to have a pedestrian crossing installed on a "dangerous" stretch of road in Saffron Walden.

Elderly people and schoolchildren are particularly at risk from the lack of a safe crossing on Ashdon Road, believes campaign organiser John Martin from de Bohun Court.

"For many elderly people, Ashdon Road confronts them with hostility when they are trying to walk to the market," he said.

"The road is an accident waiting to happen and a crossing is desperately needed."

Mr Martin, 75, and a group of volunteers have delivered letters to more than 300 people living on de Bohun Court, Fitzpiers, Sheds Lane and some of Ashdon Road, who could be affected by the issue.

So far more than 100 people have replied, throwing their weight behind the campaign and calling for Essex County Council Highways to install a crossing.

"There are a lot of elderly people who live here and they can be frightened of crossing the road," said Mr Martin. "The speed of the traffic is a big concern and the occasional vehicle parked on the double-yellow lines can obscure traffic approaching the town centre.

"People are being forced to drive or get lifts into the town, especially on market days, when they would prefer to walk."

The campaigners would like to see a crossing installed which is about halfway across the top of the Common and connects to the footpath leading to de Bohun Court.

When all of the petitions have been collected, Mr Martin hopes they will have a sufficiently strong argument to present to Highways.

Any residents who would like to support the campaign, but have not received one of the letters can contact Mr Martin at 1 de Bohun Court, Saffron Walden, CB10 2BA.