DISABLED people in mobility scooters and parents with baby buggies may be a step nearer to getting a pedestrian crossing on a busy road.

Residents in mobility scooters and parents with pushchairs complained they were sticking out into the road while on the traffic island, dubbed 'danger island' by locals, in Cranham Drive, Warndon, Worcester. 

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However, after the issue was raised by Labour ward councillor Jill Desayrah, Worcestershire County Council has now confirmed they are looking into the issue. A council spokesperson described it as 'a tricky location' and said there would be 'significant engineering challenges'. 

Calls had gone out for a pedestrian crossing near the shops with Cllr Desayrah putting in a formal job request last month. She also expressed concern about the risks to groups of teenagers and school children crossing at that point - and the lack of any pedestrian crossings along the road.

At the moment people can cross to the middle of the road where there is an island for them to stand featuring illuminated bollards and tactile paving.

However, some residents say when they cross to this halfway point in a mobility scooter, or with a pushchair, they end up sticking out into the road, making them feel vulnerable.

John Hughes, 80, of Sheepscombe Drive, who uses a mobility scooter is one of a number who has raised the issue - prompting Labour's Cllr Desayrah to formally request some type of crossing is put in.

Mr Hughes said: "I don't have enough room. There's not really even enough room to stand there.

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"In my mobility scooter, I don't feel safe when I get to the middle. These cars come down this road like a bat out of hell."

Cllr Desayrah said: "That's an accident waiting to happen. Anyone with a pushchair or mobility scooter does not have room to be there. It's a prime crossing location - but not a very safe one. Parents with baby buggies and disabled people are taking their lives in their hands."

Cllr Desayrah, a Labour councillor for Worcester City Council, said: "It is great to see the county council Highways department responding to the request for a safe crossing at this point on Cranham Drive.

"Whilst its location presents some challenges I am reassured that they are taking this safety issue seriously enough to investigate it properly. My hope now is that they succeed in finding a way to deliver the safe crossing that is needed and that they do so soon."

Cllr Desayrah received a response from Worcestershire County Council which read: "Thank you for contacting Worcestershire County Council in relation to a crossing on Cranham Drive, Worcester.
"Unfortunately this is a tricky location, early indications show that there would be significant engineering challenges involved in constructing a wider pedestrian refuge to meet current design standards.

"However, we will undertake a full feasibility study to identify options for improvement.
 "We expect the survey to be complete within four weeks, we will be in touch to advise of the outcome."