Vow to review village crossing call
Highways Agency bosses have pledged to review the case for a pedestrian crossing in a Shropshire village if funding can be found from other sources. Highways Agency bosses have pledged to review the case for a pedestrian crossing in a Shropshire village if funding can be found from other sources. They met residents in Ford, who say that the road is too dangerous to cross to get to the village's garage and Nisa store. The highways chiefs gathered to watch the traffic flow along the A458 in the village. David Smith, from the agency, said: "We have had requests from local people to consider a pedestrian crossing here. We came out to the site to meet with MP Daniel Kawczynski, councillors and members of the public to have a look at the situation." Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Ford, near Shrewsbury" class="imageframe imgalignright" height="130" src="http://www.shropshirestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/19crossing.jpg" title="Dave Smith, route performance manager for the Highways Agency, MP Daniel Kawczynski, Councillor David Roberts and Derek Price, from Amey Mouchel, managing agents for the Highways Agency, at the site of the proposed crossing in Ford, near Shrewsbury" width="175"/>Highways Agency bosses have pledged to review the case for a pedestrian crossing in a Shropshire village if funding can be found from other sources.They met residents in Ford, who say that the road is too dangerous to cross to get to the village's garage and Nisa store. The highways chiefs gathered to watch the traffic flow along the A458 in the village.
David Smith, from the agency, said: "We have had requests from local people to consider a pedestrian crossing here. We came out to the site to meet with MP Daniel Kawczynski, councillors and members of the public to have a look at the situation.
"We are always happy to come to listen to people's concerns.
"As a trunk road, it's maybe not as busy as others but our concern with all trunk roads is safety. The Highways Agency has limited funds and we have to constantly justify what we spend on anything we do. We have to put things on a priority list.
"This is not at the moment on the high priority list."
But Mr Smith said if funding was obtained from other sources, it could be considered. He said: "Having spoken to people today, we will have another look at it and review it and see if it becomes any higher on the list. There may be the possibility of funding from other sources. It is difficult to put a time scale on it."
He said as a short term measure, mobile speed cameras could be used to help the situation.
Mr Kawczynski and Councillor David Roberts said they would be writing to Shropshire County Council to see if funding could be made available for the crossing.
Mr Kawczynski said: "I have said if we can try to find some money from the council, would they consider it and they said they would think about it and it was certainly a possibility. I am determined to make sure there's safety on the roads of Ford."
Ford Parish Council chairman Bill Clyne showed the Highways Agency bosses the results of a PACT meeting, which showed residents named having a crossing at the top of their list of things for the village.
By Rebecca Lawrence