Unanimous vote for zebra crossing at death crash spot

More than 1,600 people signed a petition calling for a pedestrian crossing near the Tesco Express store at Beaumont Park, following the death in December of pedestrian Dorothea Pollard, 81, a retired teacher.

The petition was handed in last week at a meeting of the Joint Eastern Arun Area Committee, made up of county, Arun, town and parish councillors, who agreed unanimously to press for a zebra crossing, instead of a pedestrian refuge, which had previously been suggested.

Dr James Walsh, county, district and town councillor for the Beaumont Park area, proposed the zebra crossing. He said: "It will give greater protection to pedestrians and more warning to motorists to go slowly and carefully at this dangerous spot.

"I hope it will prevent any further tragedy, and I am grateful for the support of my fellow committee members."

Committee chairman, county councillor Peter Evans, said he was pleased the vote had been unanimous. "I can confirm that the process will now start to get the crossing installed as soon as possible," he added.

County highways officials will now draw up plans for the crossing, and the scheme will go out for public consultation. If there are no major objections, the work should be carried out later this year.

Mrs Pollard's family and Emma Neno, a resident of The Winter Knoll, a short distance from the scene of the fatal accident, joined forces to launch the Dot Pollard Road Safety Campaign, which included a website and the petition.

Mrs Neno thanked everyone who supported the campaign for the crossing, and especially the 1,623 people who signed the petition.

"This is not the end by a long way, but the first hurdle, and I will continue this campaign until the race is won," she added.