Campaigners welcome plans to install new crossing on busy South Shields road

People living close to Galsworthy Road backed a petition set up last October in the wake of a collision which left a pedestrian in her 80s seriously hurt.

It was the latest in a number of incidents on the stretch of road, with one leading to the death of a schoolboy back in 1997.

Now South Tyneside Council has unveiled proposals to put in a new signalised puffin crossing point, replacing a small island used by people to pause as the step over the road.

Donna-Marie Jones launched a petition, which was signed by more than 500 people, with the council telling her it had taken on board support for the idea as it worked on the plans.

She said: “Everybody who signed the petition in the first place should be thanked, because this was not just about one person.”

The authority said it looked at the issue, noting there had been historical safety concerns in the area.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, lead member for Area Management and Community Safety and a Whiteleas ward member, said: “Road safety is a top priority for us.

“This particular stretch of road – between Whiteleas Way and the junction with Benton Road – is a key route for traffic between South Shields and Boldon Colliery.

"It is also a built-up residential area with a children’s play area and older people’s homes close by.

"If this scheme goes ahead, then it will help to make it safer for people crossing the road.”

The proposed new crossing has been welcomed by the Whiteleas ward members – who also include Councillors Bill Brady and Doreen Purvis – with provisional funding identified from the West Shields, Cleadon and East Boldon Community Area Forum and the Council’s road safety budget.

The proposals are subject to the statutory legal process, with local people also invited to have their say as part of the public consultation.

Letters are also being sent to residents in the area.

Plans are available to view on the council’s website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/trafficmanagement.

Residents can submit any comments to the Road Safety Team by emailing [email protected].

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