PEDESTRIANS fearful for their safety on a busy road in Bishop Auckland are calling for the installation of a safe crossing place.

Residents on the Henknowle Estate submitted a 360-signature petition to Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman asking for help in getting a pelican crossing installed near Devon Place on St Andrew’s Road.

Many parents will not let their children walk to school unaccompanied because they feel it is too dangerous, and some elderly residents are too afraid to cross the road.

Childminder Pauline Simpson, who lives on the estate and created the petition, said: "I’ve seen children and elderly people nearly knocked over on that road - even a traffic patrol officer.

"It is just as horrendous from a driver’s point of view."

Ms Goodman joined campaigners yesterday to walk round the affected area.

"I think there is a very good case for a pelican crossing," she said.

"We should not wait for an accident to occur before improving things."

Ms Goodman will raise the issue with Durham County Council’s traffic management department at a meeting today.