rob_fmttm
Administrator
A MUCH-needed crossing on a busy Middlesbrough route has been given the green light.
The toucan crossing on Stainton Way should be up and running in time for the start of the new school year in September.
The aim is to provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists, and is in response the rapid expansion of the nearby Hemlington Grange housing development.
The new installation to the west of the Gables Roundabout on the B1365 will enable children to cross between Hemlington Grange and The King's Academy in Coulby Newham.
Design work will begin shortly, with the cost of the project funded through the capital receipt from the housing development.
The proposal was approved by Councillor Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council Executive member for Regeneration, at a meeting on Thursday, March 25.
Cllr Waters said the move was in response to a lack of pedestrian or cycle crossing facilities on this stretch of Stainton Way, and the increased potential for collisions.
He also paid tribute to the ward Councillors for Hemlington and Stainton & Thornton - Cllrs Jeanette Walker and David Coupe - for keeping up pressure to ensure the new crossing was in place as soon as possible.
Cllr Waters said: "The local Councillors have been fantastic in the representations they've made on this issue.
"They've helped to ensure this decision has been taken expeditiously, and that the work will be carried out as quickly as possible for the safety of residents in the area."
Welcoming the decision, Hemlington ward Cllr Jeanette Walker, who attended Thursday's meeting, said: "After several months of working with council officers and pushing the Mayor on the urgency of this crossing being installed I welcome this decision.
"Just this Christmas we had an accident where a young girl from Hemlington was severely injured.
"These road improvements are essential for many residents, young and old who use the bus to get to town or other areas.
"This will guarantee their safety when crossing this busy road.
"I am aware that the plans for a crossing have been in place for a while now and I hope that the other road improvements will also follow sooner rather than later."
Councillor David Coupe, ward member for Stainton & Thornton, added: "New housing development is inevitable, and has an important role to play in reversing population decline, strengthening the town's finances and ensuring the future prosperity of the borough.
"But it also puts new pressures on existing infrastructure, which is why the Council needs to invest in improvements such as this that allow residents to make local journeys safely and sustainably.
"This new crossing is both timely and welcome, and will make a real difference to a great many people."
For advice for clinically extremely vulnerable residents call Middlesbrough Council's support line on 01642 729777
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
The toucan crossing on Stainton Way should be up and running in time for the start of the new school year in September.
The aim is to provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists, and is in response the rapid expansion of the nearby Hemlington Grange housing development.
The new installation to the west of the Gables Roundabout on the B1365 will enable children to cross between Hemlington Grange and The King's Academy in Coulby Newham.
Design work will begin shortly, with the cost of the project funded through the capital receipt from the housing development.
The proposal was approved by Councillor Ashley Waters, Middlesbrough Council Executive member for Regeneration, at a meeting on Thursday, March 25.
Cllr Waters said the move was in response to a lack of pedestrian or cycle crossing facilities on this stretch of Stainton Way, and the increased potential for collisions.
He also paid tribute to the ward Councillors for Hemlington and Stainton & Thornton - Cllrs Jeanette Walker and David Coupe - for keeping up pressure to ensure the new crossing was in place as soon as possible.
Cllr Waters said: "The local Councillors have been fantastic in the representations they've made on this issue.
"They've helped to ensure this decision has been taken expeditiously, and that the work will be carried out as quickly as possible for the safety of residents in the area."
Welcoming the decision, Hemlington ward Cllr Jeanette Walker, who attended Thursday's meeting, said: "After several months of working with council officers and pushing the Mayor on the urgency of this crossing being installed I welcome this decision.
"Just this Christmas we had an accident where a young girl from Hemlington was severely injured.
"These road improvements are essential for many residents, young and old who use the bus to get to town or other areas.
"This will guarantee their safety when crossing this busy road.
"I am aware that the plans for a crossing have been in place for a while now and I hope that the other road improvements will also follow sooner rather than later."
Councillor David Coupe, ward member for Stainton & Thornton, added: "New housing development is inevitable, and has an important role to play in reversing population decline, strengthening the town's finances and ensuring the future prosperity of the borough.
"But it also puts new pressures on existing infrastructure, which is why the Council needs to invest in improvements such as this that allow residents to make local journeys safely and sustainably.
"This new crossing is both timely and welcome, and will make a real difference to a great many people."
- For the latest local updates and information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/covid19
For advice for clinically extremely vulnerable residents call Middlesbrough Council's support line on 01642 729777
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus