For years concerns have been raised about the safety of those walking along the A67 from Kirklevington to Yarm, in particular children on their way to school. In recent times the issue has got worse as traffic has increased and vegetation has been allowed to reduce the width of the footpath with overgrown branches creating an additional hazard. As traffic has increased the need for a crossing on the roundabout on Greens Lane has also increased.
Now Conservative MP Candidate Matt Vickers has called for urgent action to improve safety ‘before someone gets hurt’ and on Friday Stockton Council’s interim new Managing Director, Ms Julie Danks joined him in walking the route to understand that obstacles facing pedestrians on the route.
Councillor Vickers working with local Councillors, Tony Hampton & Julia Whitehill has had numerous discussions with senior officers at the council, having previously gone door to door in the village collecting signatures for a petition on the issue, he was delighted when Ms Danks agreed to join them in walking the route.
Councillor Matt Vickers said “At a time when we’re trying to encourage people to stay fit and walk and also discourage over reliance on the car – it’s wrong that people living in Kirklevington are forced to run this gauntlet in order to get to school, the station or nearest shop”.
“The council needs to do everything it can to ensure youngsters from Kirklevington have a safe route to school. There has been much debate about the cost of installing a crossing and the fact this project is accounted for through funds expected when approved housing developments are built – but action needs to be taken now. If this means the council need to get round the table with developers and negotiate or put forward a share of the money then that’s what should happen. You can’t put a price on a child’s life and should an accident happen you can’t turn back the clock”.
