RESIDENTS' continued calls for a zebra crossing on a busy stretch of road will be reconsidered by county councillors next week.

A 104-name petition has been submitted to Durham County Council highway officials, from people living in the Sunderland Road area of Gilesgate, Durham. Backed by Belmont Parish Council, they are calling for the development of a zebra crossing on the Marshall Terrace stretch of Sunderland Road.

It was previously turned down on the grounds that a formal crossing could not be justified due to the number of pedestrians crossing the road at that point.

Based on the use of the road it was put in the "marginal, but does not qualify" category by highways officials.

Surveys show an average of 9,750 vehicles pass along the Marshall Terrace stretch of the road each day.

But, such has been the continuing clamour for a safe crossing, that local county councillors and the parish council have agreed to part-fund the work.

The zebra would provide a safe crossing for people living in a residential area, including elderly people's bungalows, to a shopping area, including a post office, in Marshall Terrace.

Residents point out that there are also three schools in the area, with a percentage of their pupils crossing the road at that point on a daily basis.

Chris Tunstall, the deputy chief executive in charge of environment and change management at County Hall, said, given the parish offer, the work could take place, despite the site failing to meet the usual criteria.

His recommendation will be discussed by members of the county council's highways committee, on Wednesday.