A new £20,000 pedestrian crossing which will be installed in Wem next month has been branded a ‘waste of money’ by residents.
The scheme, which is due to begin on Monday, August 2, was agreed upon by highway chiefs at Shropshire Council after assessing the pedestrian movements on the High Street.
It is part of a new 20mph zone which has just been given the go-ahead after a public consultation into road safety in Wem.
But some people in the town claim the zebra crossing is a waste of taxpayers’ cash – with another pedestrian crossing already situated around 100 yards away.
Michael Skinner, who lives on the high street, said: “They want to put a new pedestrian crossing in nine metres west of Chapel Street and I think it’s an absolute waste of money.
“The council has just changed the speed limit along the road to 20mph so surely we’ve got to see the result of this – and whether people slow down and the road is made safer – before a new crossing is put in. Especially as there’s another one less than 100 yards away.
“Shropshire Council has a huge highway department and it almost seems as if they have to find something for them to do.”
Andy Wilde, engineer in the traffic and highway department at Shropshire Council, said: “During the preliminary design of the proposed 20mph zone, pedestrian movements were assessed which identified an additional pedestrian crossing demand outside the town hall.
“It was therefore proposed to install a new Zebra crossing at a cost of approximately £20,000 to aid pedestrian movement on the High Street. Throughout the consultation process we have received positive feedbackwhich will enhance road safety in Wem.”
What do you think about the new crossing? Email David Seadon at dseadon@shropshirestar.co.uk or contact 01743 283326.
By David Seadon