Shops call for crossing to be axed

TRADERS in Rotherham are calling for a pedestrian crossing to be axed after it led to a slump in business.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Sep 2007, 15:06 BST

Updated 6th Sep 2007, 10:37 BST

A crossing was built on Whitehill Lane in Brinsworth after pedestrians complained traffic was too heavy for them to cross the road.

But now traders have protested that the crossing has cut down on the number of parking spaces, resulting in a loss of business.

Rotherham Council is to look at the matter and carry out an on-site inspection to assess the problem.

A spokesman said: “We have had a petition about loss of car parking spaces in front of a few businesses on Whitehill Lane which had allegedly resulted in loss of trade.

“We undertook a survey of the new crossing and confirmed a high number of people use the crossing at that point, with more than 600 in a 12 hour period. This shows a slight increase of people crossing than before. There have been no accidents in the few months since it was installed.

“We are to visit the site again before any decision is made.”