Crossing decisions puzzle pedestrians
Pedestrians are puzzled over what makes a safe crossing after conflicting decisions by planners.
A recently-installed crossing point on Commercial Road, yards from one of Spalding's busiest roundabouts, has been condemned as a death trap by nearby traders.
But one earmarked to join the Sheep Market car park and the former Lloyds TSB building was turned down by because a sharp bend blocks the view in one direction.
At the twin bridges, the elderly, parents with prams and children are running the gauntlet when they cross from the dropped kerb as traffic approaches from Holbeach Road.
Donna Simpson, of hairdressing salon Phoenicia, said: "I've never seen anything so daft in all my life.
"It's a death trap. Why waste taxpayers' money when they could have spent it sorting out that mess on West Marsh Road?
A highways spokesman said the view was clear in both directions at the dropped kerb.
He said: "At the junction of Commercial Road with the twin bridges we have put in dropped kerbs as part of a programme to link cycle paths in the area. This forms an informal crossing point.
"Formal crossings such as zebra crossings have different design standards and in this location the visibility is adequate from all directions for the type of crossing provided."
The Sheep Market crossing was refused because it did not allow a 50 metre view in both directions.
The spokesman said: "Due to the sharp corner into Station Street visibility is impaired in this case and those using the crossing would not be as safe as should be expected."
The Sheep Market crossing was turned down in favour of pedestrian improvements in New Road, including widening and resurfacing the footpaths.
A spokesman added that the Sheep Market crossing will be kept on the list to be revisited if the situation changes.
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Weather for Spalding
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
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Wind direction: East
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