Residents launch petition calling for new crossing after changes to Lichfield bus routes

Residents have drawn up a petition calling for a new crossing to be installed on a "lethal" stretch of road in Lichfield.

Some elderly residents needing to using a bus stop on Eastern Avenue say they are having to wait for up to ten minutes for a gap in traffic before being able to cross the busy stretch of road.

They say the issue has worsened since the cancellation of the 821 Lichfield circular bus, forcing many residents to catch the 822 service - meaning they need to cross the road.

Local resident Joan Blakemore has now started a petition and is being supported by Liberal Democrat councillors in the area.

Councillors Richard Rathbone and Paul McDermott say a similar situation also occurs along Trent Valley Road, where the service has been diverted from Valley Lane, forcing residents to cross the busy road.

Cllr Paul Ray, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "Thanks to Mrs Blakemore and other residents, I and the other three Lib Dem councillors serving this area are well aware of the dangers facing residents who wish to use the bus services.

"We will therefore take up Mrs Blakemore's petition and collect more signatures before presenting it to the county council, who have responsibility for these matters, with a demand to provide a measure of safety for these residents, with options including controlled crossings on Eastern Avenue and Trent Valley Road."

Petition can be filled in online or a copy that can be printed off by clicking link below

Councillors Ray and Ashton recently visited Mrs Blakemore, and talked with her, documenting on video the difficulties of crossing the road for elderly and frail residents. https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2019/06/18/residents-launch-petition-calling-for-new-crossing-after-changes-to-lichfield-bus-routes/