WESTON UNDER PENYARD CROSSING "A STEP CLOSER"

9.00.00am GMT Tue 14th Oct 2003

Following a meeting with representatives of the Highways Agency and Herefordshire Council, Lib Dem MP for Hereford Paul Keetch has said that a pedestrian crossing across the busy A40 at Weston Under Penyard is now "a step closer".

As a result of the meeting, called by Mr Keetch, a recommendation will now be put to the Highways Agency that a survey should be conducted to test the suitability of the site for a crossing - a move welcomed by both the MP and local residents.

"I am convinced that a crossing would be worthwhile," Keetch said. "The local residents have certainly convinced me of that need, and I think that the Highways Agency now understand the strength of feeling as well.

"If the recommendation for a survey is agreed to then the site will be assessed for traffic speed, traffic volume, pedestrian requirements and so forth and the project can hopefully be progressed even further. I will certainly be pushing the Highways Agency for this crossing.

"Since the issue was first raised with me, we have managed to move it forward quite a long way, but it won't be over until the crossing is in place and local residents have a safe and easy crossing of this busy road."

The meeting was also attended by the warden and residents of Penyard Gardens and the head of the local primary school.