By James Johnson

Last updated at 16:24, Friday, 27 April 2012

A campaigner has said he believes the treatment given to Aspatria by Cumbria County Council is “disgraceful”.

Phill Roberts

Bromfield parish councillor Phill Roberts made the claims as he rekindled his mission to get a pedestrian crossing in the town.

Mr Roberts believes that unless a suitable crossing is provided in the town an accident will happen.

He said: “The people of Aspatria have waited a long time for a crossing and children have been placed in danger over the last few months.

“The county council has had long enough to get this right and should have acted sooner. It’s only a question of time before we get a serious accident.”

Mr Roberts has been in discussions with Eddie Martin, leader of the county council regarding the type of crossing that he would like to see be introduced.

He argues that a controlled-type pelican crossing would be ideal for the town.

Mr Roberts added that he was disappointed at the amount of campaigning people in Aspatria have to do in order to have the county council listen.

He explained: “It was obvious that we needed a pedestrian crossing there without a massive campaign.

“It’s like with Park Lodge – we don’t get considered at all.

“One resident said to me; ‘30 years we have been waiting for a crossing’. It’s absolutely disgraceful.”

While the county council has not as yet installed a pedestrian crossing in the town, it has appointed a replacement for the town’s lollipop lady who retired in October last year, who will begin on May 8.

A spokeswoman said: “Local county councillors have pushed hard for improved safety road measures in the Aspatria area and a set of funding has been allocated to allow a solution to be put in place.

“Technical officers have also addressed the site at the school and have found that the area does not lend itself to a formal crossing as per the criteria and guidance set out by the Department for Transport.”

The county council spokeswoman also confirmed that the council’s view is that some types of crossing would create problems rather than solve them.

“A zebra, pelican or puffin crossing could potentially create more dangers than it would solve in this situation and the cost of these would far exceed the funding that has been allocated.

“The county council is therefore looking at alternative options that will meet local needs and aspirations of the community and we will continue to work with councillors to find an appropriate solution for improved road safety.”

First published at 14:06, Friday, 27 April 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk