By Locals conflicted over ‘expensive’ Station Road crossing
Locals in Waltham have been left staggered by the astounding cost of the recently installed pedestrian crossing on Station Road.
A freedom of information request was submitted by a member of the public asking why the crossing was installed and how much the project cost.
North East Lincolnshire Council said: “The recently installed pedestrian crossing on Station Road, Waltham is to facilitate the safe movements of pedestrians in that area, this includes pupils attending the nearby Tollbar Academy and notes the potential for increased levels of usage that are likely to be generated by the development of future housing sites in the vicinity.
“The project was delivered as part of the 2022/23 local transport plan capital programme which was approved by council’s cabinet in March 2022.”
The total cost of the scheme was £98,887.
Some found the costs extravagant, stating: “100k is really quite staggering for some very very basic civil work, but this is NELC the authority that wants to blow 50million of taxpayers money on Freshney place. Admittedly Waltham councillor Philip Jackson wants to turn the villages into one huge housing estate.”
Some agreed with the need for a crossing but questioned the location and felt that there were still dangers: “The only issue I have is I’ve nearly hit a child on there that just rode his bike straight across without stopping, plus I saw a lady in her car nearly hit a young girl yesterday as she just stepped straight out onto the crossing.
“The kids think they now have right of way and even at 30 MPH or less there is going to be a serious injury if this carries on, should have been a traffic light crossing.
“I agree it’s needed but I feel its more dangerous.”
Another added: “I suspect it’s allow the children to cross safely, as they’ll always take the easiest route. Crossing in Waltham near church lane isn’t the optimum route. Despite the costs, ‘it’s worth it’ if any child can cross safely.”
North East Lincolnshire Council have been contacted for a breakdown of costs.
