RESIDENTS have praised the council’s decision to consider installing a signalised pedestrian crossing at a notorious junction.

The Advertiser reported on Monday that Swindon Borough Council had launched a public consultation on proposals to make the Kingsdown crossroads safe for pedestrians.

It follows the death earlier this year of 32-year-old Pinehurst mum Nina Maggs, who was tragically killed while trying to cross Beechcroft Road.

Since then, locals have petitioned the council to erect a signalised pedestrian crossing to avoid a repeat of February’s terrible incident.

Joe Tray, chairman of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said: “Anything that makes pedestrians safer is a step in the right direction.

“I think it’s a very important move and, although it might delay traffic, it is necessary to ensure people are safe.”

The options being considered are: to provide zebra crossings for pedestrians; to provide signal controlled crossings on one arm of the junction at a time; and to provide signal controlled crossings on all arms of the junction at the same time – an ‘all red’ stage, which is the preferred option.

Coun Tray also prefers the latter option.

He said: “The four-way signal would be the best thing. It would be quite complicated to have the lights staggered, and it wouldn’t be quite as effective.

“I think it’s something that people will be very pleased to see as I know it has been a big issue for quite a while – I just hope it doesn’t impact too much on the traffic.”

Swindon Borough Council stressed their desire to “engage with the local community and users of the junction” before proceeding.

Local resident Emily Winslow, who has previously written to North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson urging him to address the issue of safety at the crossroads, was also delighted to hear that something is being done.

She said: “The consultation is definitely a positive thing, though not before time.

“I think having these kinds of measures will make a huge difference and will improve safety for everyone as people will not have to fear crossing the road.

“Hopefully everyone will respond to the consultation.”

People have until Monday, October 9 to say which option they would like to see implemented.

The proposals can be viewed by logging on to www.swindon.gov.uk and following the link marked ‘consultations’.