Agenda item

            The Area Forum for Birchfield, Farnworth and Halton View had previously received a request from the residents of the new houses recently built and being constructed off Norlands Lane to install a pedestrian crossing on Cronton Lane outside the shops. Following informal discussions, it was decided to investigate a zebra crossing. A possible location was found and the proposal was advertised in the local press and on site for a period of four weeks leading up to 31^st May 2006.

            Subsequently, comments were received from the Post Office about the difficulties a pedestrian crossing would cause to the operation of their business. In addition, a number of comments were received both in favour and against the proposal from residents in the area, and also from the owner of Cronton Fish Bar, No. 2 and Bargain Booze. A petition in favour of the crossing was also submitted via Councillor Cross. The number of people who had written supporting the crossing was 8, plus 88 people included in the petition. The number objecting was 102 including the 3 businesses above.

            It was reported that a pedestrian/traffic survey was carried out on 12^th September 2006. Although a controlled crossing was not justified under the former national criteria, there were a significant number of pedestrians crossing Cronton Lane. This indicated that the busiest time for pedestrians was between 18.00 and 19.00, which was unusual and the surveyors indicated that it was people using the chip shop and off-licence.

            At present, there were double yellow lines on Cronton Lane outside the shops, which prohibited parking, but there was an exemption for the delivery of goods to the adjacent shops, and this was particularly important for deliveries to the Post Office. The installation requirements of a zebra crossing included zig-zag lines which would prohibit parking, loading and unloading. Contravention results in the driver being prosecuted for an endorseable offence and therefore delivery drivers would not stop on them to deliver to the shops. This would cause operational problems for the shops.

            It was reported that in the last five years there had been two reported injury accidents in the vicinity and neither of them involved pedestrians. Both the accidents involved parked cars. Therefore in view of the comments received, it was clear that the zebra crossing proposal, however desirable, would be divisive.

            An alternative improvement for pedestrians had therefore been developed. This would widen the refuge island and provide an additional length of footway outside the barbers shop. This would help to reduce the conflict between pedestrians and vehicles and provided, it was hoped, an acceptable compromise.

            The Committee heard representations from the ward councillor, Councillor Cross, who addressed Members in support of the zebra crossing proposals.

            RESOLVED: That the report be referred back to the Highways Department for further information on the original proposal to install a zebra crossing, the possibility of installing an additional refuge island and the alternative proposal of widening the refuge island and providing an additional length of footway outside the barbers shop.