Calls for new Newport A41 crossing as council promises to investigate
Residents are calling for a safer crossing over the busy A41 near Newport, but the town's mayor has urged people to "manage expectations".
Councillors in the town have heard from a number of residents that they feel unsafe crossing the A41, which bypasses Newport with a series of roundabouts.
There is a cycle crossing using the national 55 route crossing the road near Aldi, in the southeast corner of the town.
The road will soon have two new uncontrolled crossings, one on the line of the existing crossing in front of Aldi and the other from Audley Avenue through the new retail development.
Telford & Wrekin Council has pledged to investigate and "understand whether there is sufficient demand and need" for an additional crossing.
Town mayor Councillor Peter Scott said that he would welcome a consultation to learn how many people use the crossing before making a decision on alterations.
Councillor Tim Nelson, of Newport Town Council and Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "We need a controlled crossing here.
"I've met officers onsite, I've asked Telford and Wrekin for a safer crossing and they have refused.
"They have costed a toucan crossing at only £50,000 to £70,000, which is buttons compared to the money taken out of Newport in section 106 payments from developments, the new homes bonus and additional council tax.
"People have talked about bridges and underpasses, I'm being realistic about the costs."
Reasonable
Councillor Scott said: "There is a need for a crossing down near the Mere Park Garden Centre, I have asked the borough council to look at it.
"Safety is a very important concern but I would question how many people use the crossing on a daily basis.
"We need to have a consultation to see how many people are using it. I would like for people to be reasonable and for expectations to be managed."
Councillor Hilda Rhodes, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “Telford & Wrekin Council is very supportive of encouraging safe cycling and walking, particularly for the national cycle route to Stafford which the council worked hard to secure and deliver and has been popular since it was open.
“Improvements in this location are being delivered by the company constructing the new Lidl.
“The latest works will provide two pedestrian access points into Newport and the A41.
“When the current works are delivered, we will monitor closely to understand how they operate to give the scheme sufficient time to bed in.
“We would then look to undertake some pedestrian surveys to understand the number of users of the crossing and assess if there are any safety concerns when crossing the new carriageway.
“This information will then be utilised to understand whether there is sufficient demand and need to secure the funding for the type of crossing.”
