I heard this afternoon that a boy was hit by a car and suffered damage to his arm trying to cross Church Road from the footpath that connects with Foresthall Park at Harbridge Close. This photograph shows how dangerous it is for user of this footpath. Approaching traffic, which emerges from Walson Way, is obscured by bushes. Drivers have difficult seeing pedestrians at this point AS THERE IS NO PAVEMENT.

A growing number of people from both the Foresthall Park and Mountfitchet estates have told me that a new pavement and pedestrian crossing are needed as soon as possible along this stretch of Church Road. The latest they are needed is summer 2012 in time for the new primary school at Foresthall Park. See my original post.

One stretch where it would be less easy to create a pavement is in front of the houses shown in the next photograph. This is the spot where the dangerous footpath emerges. The road is curved at this point and so sight-lines are not good. If the bend were strightened by moving the east pavement a metre or so, more space would be available for the west-side pavement. 

These improvements must also include traffic speed calming measures. Many residents have told me that Church Road is a racetrack within the 30mph limit and that they fear crossing it. It’s considered particularly dangerous for children.

Another improvement is for residents of Jordon Close, who cannot get out of the close without first crossing Church Road. A double and risky crossing of the road is needed for mums to take children to the nearby play area. I spoke to several residents this afternoon who suggest a bridge across the ditch at the point hown in the next photograph to connect with the existing pavement.  All these amenities should have been required by the planning permission; but better late than never!