‘Ludicrously dangerous’ crossing ‘to be looked at’

Councillors also call for a new crossing at St Edward Street to improve pedestrian safety

THE cost of installing a new pedestrian crossing in Leek and improving the lighting on one described as ‘dangerous’ are to be looked into.

At the last meeting of Leek Town Council, members debated a new crossing being installed in St Edward Street, along with improved lighting at the pedestrian crossing at the top of Stockwell Street.

Councillor Brian Johnson said: “St Edward Street is not the safest of places, while the crossing at the top of Stockwell Street is ludicrously dangerous.

“I will ask Staffordshire Moorlands District Council if there is any Section 106 money, which is made available from building development for community projects, which could be used for the crossings.

“There is a crossing in Holmes Chapel that is lit up like Blackpool Illuminations.”

Councillor Stephen Wales asked if it could be found out how much it would cost to improve the lighting at the Stockwell Street crossing.

He said: “The Stockwell Street crossing is dangerous. It was done on the cheap. LED columns are much brighter and can be seen from a wider area.”

Councillor Charlotte Atkins said that it was doubtful if Staffordshire County Council would fund the work for a new crossing.

She said: “There are government cuts in place and the county council is looking at a £35million deficit.

“They are looking at significant cuts to road maintenance and grit bins.

“I have raised the issue over a crossing being installed on St Edward Street but funding is minimal.

“This is the problem, as there are massive cuts to highways.”

Councillor Atkins added: “A crossing is badly needed in St Edward Street for people walking to the Post Office in High Street.

“With the Stockwell Street crossing, the objection by the county council would not only be the cost, but they would then not want to upgrade other crossings in the county.

“The Slimma site development had a lot of money which could be looked into for Section 106 money availability.

“I will find out what the cost would be for a crossing and also for the upgrade of lighting on the Stockwell Street crossing.”

The town council also received correspondence regarding the condition of the pavement in Cross Street, Leek which was damaged and required weeding.

It was agreed to asked the town lengthsman to weed the area, but the damaged parts of the street were the highway’s responsibility.