In July 2024, I presented a petition to full Council calling for a pedestrian crossing on Pampisford Road working with local resident, Jack after he showed me some terrible footage showing vehicles mounting the road to overtake traffic – and since becoming a councillor, so many residents have told me about their difficulties and challenges in crossing this busy road. It was also covered in local media and you can find the story here.
Whilst the Council did take some action, including bollards, a raised kerb and the deployment of sensors to track speeds, I was clear that we needed a pedestrian crossing, with this being so important to children and young families, given the area’s proximity to Christ Church Primary School, Fennies Nursery, Purley Nursery School and the Rotary field.
In October, I was over the moon to learn that our petition had been successful and the Council had notified residents that the pedestrian crossing would be installed later that month. Unfortunately, one single objection held up the project. This almost took us back to square one. The Council had to prepare another report and liaise with the legal team, before getting sign-off from the Highways’ Corporate Director. It is really disappointing that one single objection can stall things, but this is a national issue.
I am pleased that this has now been signed-off and I have been advised that works to implement this will begin on 16th March, with works expected to finish by 6th April. I attach a copy of the notification sent to residents, with details of the works and the stages by which this will happen.
Road safety has been a key priority and this is a huge win for children and young families locally.
A massive thanks to Jack for driving this, the 200+ residents who signed our petition, to Highways officers for not giving in to one single objection and to Mayor Perry for his support with this project. I am relieved and thrilled!
Cllr Samir Dwesar
