'Residents feel unsafe': MP calls for pedestrian crossing outside Staffordshire tourist attraction
An MP says residents feel unsafe crossing the road outside one of Staffordshire's biggest tourist attractions.
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford has launched a petition calling for a new pedestrian crossing in Castle Bank, following repeated concerns from residents about road safety.
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She said that at the moment there was no safe crossing point at Castle Bank, despite it being one of the main walking routes to Stafford Castle.
To add to safety concerns, Miss Ingham said the speed camera in the area was not working.
She said the nearest formal crossing was more than half a mile away at West Way, which was impractical for people who were walking to the attraction.
Miss Ingham said the problem was raised by residents in Highfields and Western Downs during a recent coffee morning.
"Many residents said they feel unsafe attempting to cross the road, particularly at busy times," she said.
"Concerns have increased recently as the speed camera in the area is not operational, with reports of vehicles travelling at excessive speeds."
Miss Ingham said she had written to Staffordshire County Council requesting an urgent review into the installation of a pedestrian crossing and asking for a clear timetable for action.
“Stafford Castle is one of our town’s most important landmarks, and residents and visitors should be able to access it safely on foot," she said.
“We should not wait for someone to be seriously hurt before action is taken.
“I have asked the county council to urgently review the case for a pedestrian crossing, and I am asking local residents to stand with me by signing this petition."
Residents can sign the petition online at bit.ly/StaffordCastleCrossing.
