Coggeshall Co-op crossing petition gets 1,000 signatures

The Paycockes WI in Coggeshall is calling for Essex Highways to put a pedestrian crossing outside the Co-op in East Street.

The combination of heavy traffic and parked cars opposite the store make East Street “very difficult” to cross, campaigners have claimed.

Paycocke’s WI president Sheila Hannan said: “With the increase in house building generating more cars, people and children, the WI felt it time to revisit the need for a pedestrian crossing at this key point, the safety of which is compromised by the unbroken line of parked cars.

“Its location, linking the only sizeable food store with the Recreation Ground opposite, is vital.

“The footpath across the Recreation Ground is the main thoroughfare between the north and south of the town.”

The petition has so far received 1,054 signatures over 66 pages and was handed over to Essex County Councillor Paul Thorogood outside the Co-op on Tuesday.

Signed - the petition was handed over to Essex County Councillor Paul Thorogood outside the Co-op on Tuesday (Image: Public)

Mr Thorogood is now set to present the petition to Essex County Council's cabinet member for highways Tom Cunningham at the next Full Meeting on Tuesday, February 13.

He said: “The petition is calling for Essex Highways to reconsider installing a pedestrian crossing outside the Co-op after it rejected plans for one based on the criteria it uses.

“When I visited the site with two Essex Highways officers, they could see a crossing was needed but after a traffic survey was conducted, the proposal failed the criteria which Essex Highways uses.

“Essex Highways has said it is looking at revising the criteria and this petition may help them get a move on.

“Most of the residents of Coggeshall live north of East Street and if walking to the Co-op via the park they have to cross this busy road between parked cars.

“It is dangerous especially for people with mobility issues or pushing a pushchair.

“I do hope Essex Highways reconsiders its criteria and implements a pedestrian crossing here where residents want and need it.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “The best way for residents to raise concerns about local safety issues is to contact their local Essex County Councillor.

They can then raise the concerns for appropriate action at the Local Highways Panel. If the councillor supports their request, they can include petitions as supporting evidence.

“Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, is aware of this petition and welcomes its presentation at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday 13 February.”