CALLS have been made for a zebra crossing to be installed at a 'dangerous' Malvern road which campaigners say is an 'accident waiting to happen.'

Adrian Thomas said he was 'hugely concerned' about the dangers of the road between the Malvern Splash Leisure Complex and the two opposite car parks.

Mr Thomas claims he has seen at least three near misses where children could have been hit by cars since he joined the Splash gym on Priory Road in January.

But a Worcestershire County Council spokesperson has said an assessment  indicates the location falls 'well below the criteria' for a controlled crossing.

Cllr Beverley Nielsen told the Gazette, while she supports the idea in principle, according to county council policy, the low numbers of vehicle movements on that road- just 2,500 a day- meant a pedestrian crossing wouldn't be feasible.

But she said concerned parents wouldn't be deterred from this. 

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A petition has been launched by Mr Thomas to install the zebra crossing on the road, which has already gained over 100 signatures in around a week.

A major issue, according to Mr Thomas, is that cars, or even coaches picking up school swimming groups, are parking on the nearby double yellow lines, blocking the sight of those crossing the roads.

He added parents were very concerned about the safety of this crossing. 

Mr Thomas added: "Every person we have talked to so far has said what a great idea it is and is surprised this hasn’t happened before, this needs to be done as the road is an accident waiting to happen.

"Children are in danger and adding a crossing would stop all that without a shadow of a doubt."

He has spoken to Dave Reynolds, manager of the Malvern Splash, who has backed the idea.

The petition has gained the backing of over 100 people. The petition has gained the backing of over 100 people. (Image: Adrian Thomas)

Cllr Nielsen, who represents Malvern Langland on the county council, said while she was very supportive of the idea in principle but several issues had been pointed out to her by county Highways staff.

These issues, she added, include the fact users would be unable to cross directly from the car park to the Splash as the crossing would have to be further down Priory Road.

She said the £200,000 price for the necessary controlled crossing was another stumbling block, but added she would continue to listen to feedback from concerned parents. 

To sign the petition, visit the Malvern Splash Leisure Complex, where there are two forms in the gym and at the reception.