Pensioners afraid to go out due to busy traffic
RESIDENTS FEAR DEATH CROSSING STREET TO GET THE BUS
Video Reporter ELDERLY residents say they are “taking their lives into their own hands” trying to get across a Whickham street because there is no safe crossing place.
Pat McTeer, 82, has taken on an 18-month mission to improve safety on Parkway on behalf of the people who live close by.
The bus stop they need to get into the centre of Whickham is on the opposite side of the street.
Mrs McTeer is determined to get a pedestrian crossing for those who live on neighbouring Castle Close and Tindale Drive. She says it has put them off so much they will take taxis into the centre of the village so they do not have to risk it.
Gateshead Council said it is preparing a report on the issue which allow a final decision to be made.
Mrs McTeer said: “I have friends who live in the area and have done for a long time. They’ve asked me to try and do something about the situation. One of them said to me somebody will be killed on that road. We are not going to let someone lose their life.
“It’s very, very difficult and nobody is fighting their corner. I’ve promised them I’m going to get a crossing for them.”
There are more than 80 people living in the sheltered housing on Castle Close and Tindale Drive.
Joyce Johnson, 78, of Tindale Drive, said: “We need a safe crossing area, it’s very sad it has taken this long. We are adamant we need to be safe.”
Being unable to get into Whickham easily is making vital services like supermarkets, banks and the health centre harder to access as well as reducing opportunities to meet up with friends and support groups.
Mrs McTeer said: “It’s a wrong that’s got to be put right. We are trying to encourage older people to be more independent but this is stopping them from doing that.”
Taking a taxi into the village twice a week is costing £80 a month out of some residents’ pensions, they have claimed. Elizabeth Ridley, 91, of Castle Close, said: “I wouldn’t take the chance but many people do. “People are scared to go out. We’ve got to take a taxis when we want to get into Whickham. I can afford it but it’s not cheap.” Parkway slopes down and twists away from Fellside Road, and people say the bends in the road reduce visibility for those trying to cross. For those who are partially sighted or deaf it is even more difficult. Sid Mcalwane, 89, of Parkway, said: “Quite frankly it’s dangerous and frustrating. When you get frustrated you take risks. People Pat McTeer will say it’s nothing but it is affecting our lives.”
There is a 20mph limit in place but there was a consensus among residents that drivers do not stick to this.
Mrs McTeer has asked for two crossings to be added on Parkway to allow residents to cross easily and safely. Gateshead Council said they had undertaken “comprehensive investigations into the issues raised in the petition”.
A spokesman said: “Specifically, we have carried out road traffic and pedestrian surveys, we installed Automatic Traffic Counters to record vehicle flows plus cameras to record all pedestrian movements across the highway.
“However, the data is now being collated and a report will be drafted which will enable a final decision to be made. Once the issue has been discussed with local councillors, we’ll be contacting the petitioners.”