Safety of Jerry Croft in Skipton to be scrutinised after complaints (From Craven Herald)

Safety of Jerry Croft in Skipton to be scrutinised after complaints

11:00am Saturday 9th March 2013 in News

Pedestrian safety on Jerry Croft, Skipton, is to be scrutinised by Craven councillors following complaints by a member of the public.

Malcolm Keighley says he has been concerned for some time about people walking along Jerry Croft, between the High Street, the town centre car park and Marks and Spencer.

And he has called on the council’s select committee to look into it and suggest what could be done.

“This dangerous street is used by huge coaches and HGVs every day. Pedestrians, including families, the elderly, the disabled and the visually impaired, have to fight for road space,” he wrote.

The amount of people and traffic using the road is likely to increase once the new shops at Albion Place have been completed and opened.

Mr Keighley said he had raised his concerns with other officers at the council and also with Maple Grove Developments, the developers of the new shops behind the town hall.

At last Wednesday’s select committee, councillors were sympathetic with Mr Keighley’s concerns and it was agreed to ask its HGV working group to look into it.

Craven police commander Chief Inspector Simon Lovell said he would also get one of his officers to look at it from a safety point of view.

Committee chairman Coun John Roberts said he believed it was a dangerous access road.

“In my view, it is dangerous and we will look at it. Mr Keighley is right in what he says and we shared his views,” he said.

Coun Roberts added possible suggestions to improve safety could include a 5mph speed limit and clearer road markings.