Residents in Heath and Reach are celebrating victory after winning their 20-year fight for a crossing on the busy Bird’s Hill.
On Tuesday Central Beds councillors unanimously pushed through a £90,000 traffic calming package for the village that includes a controversial zebra crossing that had been in danger of being dropped after a handful of objections.
But they decided against extending parking bays which would have caused problems for two families with disabled children who need constant access to their properties.
The measures, raised tables on Woburn Road and Leighton Road and crossings on Old Linslade Road and Bird’s Hill, will reduce the speed of vehicles coming into the village and provide a safe route for schoolchildren and the elderly.
Ward councillor Mark Versallion said: “These traffic calming measures are hugely significant for the village and we have wanted them for at least the last two decades.
“Since being elected two years ago I have been determined to finally make this wish a reality and I am grateful to the council for prioritising Heath and Reach in its Local Area Transport Plan and in allocating funding.
“I am also grateful to the parish council for agreeing to contribute towards the scheme”
A parish council spokesman welcomed the decision. “We are very pleased with the outcome and we welcome the amendment to not make any alterations to the current parking restrictions which are outside two particular properties.
“The parish council, community and, with thanks to Mr Versallion, look forward to this long awaited traffic calming scheme for the village both on the grounds of pedestrian safety but also to slow the traffic down which travels through the village”.
Sarah Vincent, head of St Leonard’s School, told parents: “Fantastic news!. We are very pleased that the children will now be able to walk to school safely.”