'We're putting our lives on the line by crossing Kirklees road'

Residents in Marsh and Edgerton are stepping up their campaign to improve a pedestrian crossing in the busy A640 Westbourne Road.

The campaign aims to make safer access to local business, services and residences for those walking and cycling. A petition which calls for a controlled Toucan crossing in Westbourne Road near Gledholt Roundabout now has 208 residents signed up.

Petition organiser and local resident Andrew Dunlop says: “It can be hard enough when driving to judge vehicle speeds on the Gledholt Roundabout, it can be terrifying trying to do this as a pedestrian.

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“The crossing is even worse for those with small children, pushchairs, impaired mobility and with wheelchairs. Users are putting their lives on the line to cross here or decide not to leading to isolation and immobility.”

A solution to this crossing has already previously been proposed and consulted on twice. It formed one part of the mothballed A629 Phase 4 work. The petition asks Kirklees Council to prioritise and secure funds elsewhere for this specific part of the scheme.

Use of the current uncontrolled crossing point at this location as a pedestrian or cyclist can be a challenging experience. It often involves having to cross in small gaps in constant traffic and move out of the way of fast and emerging vehicles.

Among those signing the petition have been users of Greenhead Park, including for Parkrun, users of Gledhold Methodist Church, including Pennine School of Dance and Marsh Community Forum.

Also patrons of the Junction Pub, residents of Birkby trying to access shops, services and green spaces in Marsh and parents and children walking to St Patricks Catholic Primary School.

The petition will remain open for the next couple of weeks for further signatures before being presented to local councillors and to Kirklees Council. Sign the petition here.

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