Campaigners demand action over 'dangerous' Stourbridge crossings

More than 300 people have so far signed a petition started by resident Vanessa Williams, aged 50 of Meriden Avenue.

She became concerned about the 'dangerous' driving at the zebra crossings and island on High Street and Bridgnorth Road, which are all close to each other in Wollaston village.

Both the position of the island and the three crossings have been deemed 'dangerous', after a number of accidents, crashes and congestion caused concern with residents living nearby, who have finally said, 'enough is enough'.

Professional artist Mrs Williams said: "What will it take for the council and Highways England to act? I thought I was on my own in feeling concerned but once I started speaking to other people it became very apparent there is a large group of us all looking for action to be taken.

"I know finances are tight for councils but what's more important, saving money or savings lives? The positions of the zebra crossings are not practical and you'll find the majority of people refuse to cross on them in fear of being run over.

"One person's voice isn't enough. We will now be holding a community forum meeting in a village hall in a couple of weeks where we will present the petition to local MPs who will hopefully in turn present it to the council.

"It's a matter for everyone of all ages. I've spoken to elderly people who are scared to cross the road and only recently a young boy got knocked off his bike at one of the crossings."

"Ideally I would like an independent assessor to come in and give an outside view."

Wollaston and Stourbridge councillor Nicolas Barlow said he was in full support of the petition, warning there were too many people speeding and driving 'irresponsibly'.

The issue has been raised with Highways England, which is in charge of major roads, and project engineer John Hindley said: "I have reviewed the area and found that over the last three years there have been only three recorded personal injury accidents within 100 metres (328ft) of the roundabout and the crossings.

"Current guidance is directing highway authorities away from this concept of tightly corralling pedestrians, so regrettably without an unjustifiable level of investment to remove the roundabout and change the junction to full signal control with pedestrian facilities, the existing situation is the best that can be achieved."