Safer crossing petition in Whitehawk

The petition calls for Brighton and Hove Council to provide a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights at the southern end of Whitehawk Road.

Dee Edmonds, 64, who started the petition three weeks ago, said: “We’ve had overwhelming support from residents in favour of improving the safety of the lower Whitehawk Road near the shops and school.”

The petition is available at Whitehawk Road Post Office and the Best One Express shop.

Vijey Thiva, 43, postmaster, said: “The problem is, we’ve now got heavier congestion around here.

“Sooner or later there will be a disaster and I don’t want to see somebody get hurt.”

One vulnerable group which would benefit from a safer crossing is the former nurses and carers of the John Howard Cottages in Roedean Road.

Sandra Berry, 67, a resident, said: “Some of our ladies are quite old and crossing the road’s not easy and it’s really busy.”

Another group is the children at Brighton Steiner School, accessed from Whitehawk Road, and their copy of the petition has more than 40 signatures from parents and staff.

Emily Tester, cyclist training and school crossing patrol manager at the council, said funding for a lollipop lady for the school was approved in 2011, and a parent starts the job soon.

Sarah Starky, 47, a PSHE teacher, said: “I’m welcoming the lollipop lady, definitely that’s fantastic news, and it’ll be great for children to be able to walk to school on their own.

“But in terms of the local community, I think it’s a shame that there isn’t something more substantial there.”

East Brighton Councillor Gill Mitchell will present the petition to the Mayor on October 23.

The petition will go before the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee on November 25.

Councillor Mitchell said: "This is a busy shopping area with a school and other services.

“I very much hope that this request for a crossing will be taken seriously."

Sign the petition at Whitehawk Road Post Office and Best One Express in Whitehawk Road, Brighton.