For two years, Independent Alliance Coun Jane Branley campaigned for an extra crossing on Imeary Street, in Westoe.

Now she has been given the news she has been waiting for, at the Riverside Community Area Forum.

During a discussion of forthcoming construction projects in the area, it was announced that a new zebra crossing for the area is now 'on order', with work due to start on January 10, and expected to be completed within a week.

Coun Branley raised the need for a zebra crossing after being approached by residents at Glenthorpe House, who say it is a battle each time they cross the busy road.

Coun Branley, said: "I have been asking for a zebra crossing for the past two years and now, finally, it was confirmed at the meeting that it will be installed in the new year.

"This is such a busy road and there are a lot of elderly people living in the area who do have difficulty getting to the shops, so a zebra crossing will make their lives much easier."

The crossing will be near the road's junction with West Stevenson Street.

John Musson, director of housing and service improvement for South Tyneside Homes, said, "We welcome any measures that would improve personal safety when crossing Imeary Street, both for the tenants of Glenthorpe House and other residents in the area."