Fears over planned zebra crossing (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Fears over planned zebra crossing

3:56pm Friday 20th June 2008

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CRITICS claim a proposed zebra crossing in a busy North Yorkshire town could put lives at risk.

North Yorkshire County Council wants to build a zebra crossing on Bedale Road, in Aiskew, near Bedale.

The £14,000 scheme across the A684 was first mooted last year and letters against the scheme were sent to the council.

However approval was given for the scheme and work was set to start in January - but was then put on hold after further objections.

Residents claim lorries entering the forecourt of Topham Wholesalers will block the view of people using the crossing.

One resident's comments on council papers into the scheme criticises the scheme on safety grounds.

He said "Pedestrians half-way across the crossing will not be seen by oncoming vehicles because of HGVs.

"When HGVs arrive and depart the site they will block the view of any pedestrians at the proposed crossing."

He added that there were safer and better places in Aiskew to locate the crossing.

But county council officers have hit back at the claims and say the plans will improve the safety of the public.

Nigel Smith, the acting area manager of the Thirsk highways office, said: "The idea came from a public consultation in the Bedale Traffic Management Strategy.

"If you look at the A684 there are no other formal ways of assisting people across the road.

"The problem of lorries not seeing people crossing there exists at present.

"Council staff have been out and looked at the sight and have designed a scheme in what they think is the most appropriate place.

"We are looking at this in terms of amenity and the safety of pedestrians in that area."

They are backed by Aiskew Parish Council who supports the scheme.

Allyson Marr, clerk to the parish council, said: "A large number of children and elderly people use that road.

"It was supported because it is a busy road and due to the safety implications."

The scheme is to come before the council's county committee for Hambleton on June 23.

The council is recommending approval of the scheme to install the zebra crossing.

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