CAMPAIGNERS have won their battle for a pedestrian crossing on a notoriously busy road where a Hampshire pensioner was killed a year ago today.

Council highways chiefs have unveiled plans to improve safety for pedestrians on the A326 at Dibden Purlieu following the death of dog walker Frank Harrison.

Mr Harrison, 83, of Noads Way, Dibden Purlieu, was killed just weeks after signing a petition that called for a crossing to be provided. His death fuelled demands for safety improvements on the A326, which separates Waterside parishes from the New Forest and is used by more than 30,000 vehicles a day.

Mr Harrison was crossing the A326 near the Heath Hotel when he was hit by a Rover car driven by pensioner Humphrey Saint.

Protesters held a public meeting and presented their petition to Hythe and Dibden Parish Council after collecting 4,662 signatures.

Now the year-long campaign for a crossing has ended in victory.

A Hampshire County Council spokesman said: "We're carrying out preliminary designs and costings for a controlled pedestrian crossing about 40 yards north of the Heath roundabout.

"When the designs are complete and we know the costings, a bid for funding for 2006-2007 will be made."

Dibden Purlieu resident Irene Plascott, who helped to organise the petition, said: "Hopefully the proposed new crossing will save lives. Pedestrians crossing the A326 have to run because the traffic goes so fast.

"The New Forest is only a few yards away but many people prefer to drive rather than attempt to cross the road on foot.

"It's a great pity it took a death to highlight the need for a crossing. I don't think the signatures would have made a blind bit of difference if Mr Harrison had not been killed."

Hythe and Dibden county councillor Brian Dash also welcomed the decision to install a crossing. He said: "I've been assured that a bid for funding will be made and hopefully we will see some action in the next financial year. It's clear they mean business."

The county council spokes-man said that several safety improvements to the A326 had already been carried out since Mr Harrison's death.

She said: "There are about 13 crossing points for pedestrians between the Applemore and Heath roundabouts.

"After public meetings and consultations with Cllr Dash it was decided to highlight most of the crossing points with yellow bollards and install a sign at the exit to the two roundabouts, warning of pedestrians in the carriageway.

"Vegetation has been cut back so that people can be seen sooner when they cross the road."

Saint, 79, of Pauls Dene Crescent, Salisbury, was fined £500 by New Forest magistrates and banned from driving for three years after he admitted driving without due care.