A PEDESTRIAN crossing could be installed on a busy road in Penketh following concerns for the safety of children.

This comes after Warrington Borough Council received reports from a number of residents about their worries for the safety of pedestrians when crossing the carriageway on Warrington Road/Heath Road.

A petition was also handed into the town hall from residents of Heath Road to highlight the issue.

According to a letter sent out to residents from WBC, the road has been ‘found to be a location in need of intervention by means of a controlled crossing provision’.

Preliminary investigations carried out by the council have identified that the main issue appears to be the volume of pupils crossing the A562 Warrington Road at peak hours.

But the proposals to install a pedestrian crossing at this location mean the junction at Warrington Road with Heath Road would be closed.

The letter reads: “Proposals to assist crossing this point always result in the central carriageway area on the A562 Warrington Road being closed across its junction with Heath Road such that it provides sufficient width for a protected refuge area for pedestrians to be assisted.

“Early consultation with local bus operators (including school buses) indicated that no services would be affected by this closure.

“Additionally, closing the central reservation will also prevent eastbound motorists from accessing the Tesco car park by illegally using the gap in the central reservation.

“This requires them to temporarily travel dangerously the wrong way in the westbound carriageway, an occurrence that the council has received substantial complaints about for many years.

“While the council is appreciative that residents will no longer be able to turn right out of or into Heath Road and this may be an inconvenience, this must be taking on balance with the need to ensure the safety of crossing pedestrians, particularly children.”

The council is seeking residents' support and comments regarding the proposal.

To have your say, you can email heathroadpenketh@warringtongov.uk and ensure your view of yes or no is included in the title of the email.