Sheffield Council commits to road safety measures following campaign

Residents have called for more protection on Station Road, near Halfway Nursery and Infants School, for about a decade.

Now, the council has announced plans for a push button signal controlled pedestrian crossing, a speed bump and a 20mph zone during school arrival and departure times.

Labour councillor Tony Downing, Lord Mayor and representative for Mosborough, who campaigned with Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East, on the issue said: “I know this is an issue local residents, parents and school staff care deeply about so I’m pleased we are moving forward with this scheme.

“These measures will improve the safety of people out walking and cycling, as well as children getting to and from school. I am looking forward to discussing the plans further with businesses and residents in the area so we can get the scheme in place as soon as possible.”

Labour Coun Julie Grocutt, cabinet member for transport and development, added: “We’ve listened to the local community and have agreed that further action is needed to protect pedestrians using this busy road.

“Due to sustained government cuts over the last decade the council isn’t able to make as many safety interventions as previously, but Labour has prioritised this work in Halfway and we hope works will be completed soon.

“We know that this is a key route for many people travelling through the area, so we’d like to gather as much feedback on this as possible. Please get in touch and share your views.”

The plans are going through a final consultation with the local community before work starts.

The Liberal Democrats also campaigned for the crossing.

Kurtis Crossland, Liberal Democrat campaigner, presented a petition of more than 500 signatures at a full council meeting last year and repeatedly pushed the council for it since.

He said: “I’m quite excited it’s finally being done and the school kids can cross the road safely.

“The road can be really bad, particularly at rush hours when kids are going to school. I was nearly hit there a while ago so I know first hand how bad it can be.

“I really want it in place before the winter, before it gets dark again.

“I’m really grateful for everyone who signed and supported the petition and stayed with it because I know these things take a long time to go through councils and people have stayed positive and it’s good to get something done for the community.”

Liberal Democrat Coun Gail Smith, representative for Mosborough ward, added: “I started campaigning on this Halfway crossing back in 2016 when I won the by-election and parents lobbied me about it, but I have been asking the council for years before that. Then Kurtis Crossland moved to the area and took it to another level.

“I have to give Kurtis the credit he did a great job promoting the petition.”

READ MORE:

- Local area committees voted through in Sheffield despite cynicism

- Mayor and South Yorkshire leaders sign off huge £860m stimulus package for county

- Sheffield residents asked to share their views on social housing

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.