Crossing petition reaches highways officers (From Essex County Standard)
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Crossing petition reaches highways officers
7:20am Thursday 10th May 2012 in Countywide news
HIGHWAYS officers have been given a 1,125-strong petition which calls for a new crossing.
Residents are urging action from Essex County Council as they believe a decision on a new crossing is long overdue.
Residents in and around Linnet Drive, Chelmsford, handed a petition to their county councillor last month and the document has now been presented to the council.
Jude Deakin, county councillor for Chelmsford West, received the petition from residents and handed it to the council on Tuesday.
Residents have campaigned for a crossing to be installed since Jessica Smith was hit by a car at the junction of Plane Tree Close and Linnet Drive in 2005.
Parents, residents and councillors were told a crossing would be installed in February, but when suggestions about the siting of the crossing were made public and a consultation period started, the county council received objections.
Outgoing highways boss Tracey Chapman later explained a final decision would be made by a new Chelmsford highways panel in late April.
Mum-of-three Karen Aslett, of Fir Tree Rise, Chelmsford, helped collect signatures.
She said: “That’s it – the petition has officially been handed over.
“Fingers crossed for a positive outcome and let’s hope the council gets this highways panel sorted out, as it still hasn’t been set up.”
Linda Mascot, Chelmsford councillor for Goat Hall ward, met residents in the area, along with councillor Deakin and Chelmsford councillor Mark Springett, last month.
She said: “The comments that were left on the petition made it clear this is a much-needed safety measure for young and old alike.
“I would particularly like to commend the enthusiasm and energy of Karen Aslett, Claire Hoyle, Colin Inwood and Julie Muir for setting up the Facebook campaign and petition.
“In these days of armchair apathy it is encouraging to see people do care about their community and are prepared to fight for something they believe in.”
