RESIDENTS have taken their fight to civic chiefs in a bid to get a crossing on a “dangerous” Winchester road, following nearly five years of campaigning.

As previously reported, residents say they want a zebra crossing on Worthy Road, to make it safer for their children and vulnerable neighbours.

Making a deputation at Hampshire County Council’s (HCC) full council meeting, campaigners also presented a petition signed by more than 1,000 people.

The road is the main route for children walking to St Bede C of E Primary School in Hyde.

Campaigner Charlotte Fisher said: “The key reasons we feel that pedestrian crossings are needed along this busy stretch of road are to reduce social isolation for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and disabled; reduce the speed of traffic; improve health; decrease pollution; and allow for more independent travel for children and young people.”

The group had recently taken to Winchester High Street to put forward their case and errected a temporary crossing (pictured) to make their point.

Joyce Hall, 87, of Stoke Road, Abbotts Barton, said: “Seven years ago I was diagnosed with macular degeneration, and four years ago I was registered partially sighted. These are not things that you welcome, of course; it is quite a scary diagnosis and you wonder how your life is going to be changed.

“Every day I make it my mission to go into town and I catch the bus in Worthy Road.

“I put on my high visibility jacket and I walk down to where I hope to cross safely. And every day, as I reach that point where I cross, I am deeply concerned: Is this the day that I don’t make it safely across the road?

“I have had my scares. It is the nature of the condition that although in my case I can see quite a long way away and see cars coming in from Kings Worthy, I can miss the one that is very close to me and cross. That is what happened to me one day, halfway across the road. I seek help when it is available, I have even taken the Spring bus right round through Kings Worthy, just so I am safe.

“But here [in this council chamber] we have a pool of people with common sense, imagination and influence. I do ask you to use this very important tool to do your very best and to do something to help all of us.”

Mother-of-three, Lucy McLoughlin, of Stoke Road, added: “This has been good being able to get everyone’s attention, but we would love to get on with our lives and be able to cross the road safely.

“We’re speaking on behalf of a lot of people as more than 1,000 people have signed the petition. I’ve spoken to a lot of residents and everyone agrees that we need safe crossings. It’s common sense.”

HCC was unable to confirm if it would build a crossing.