A seven-year campaign to get a pelican crossing at an accident blackspot in Donington is finally seeing residents step out in safety.
The crossing – between the Co-op in High Street and the Market Place – has been officially opened and especially welcomed by the local Walking for Health group.
Leader Peter Lucas said: “Before the crossing was installed we had to go further down the road because there was a blind spot that made it really dangerous.
“But even further down the road we had to step out between cars.”
The campaign for the crossing was started by Leslie and David Castle and has been a high priority of the parish council. At the time, Mrs Castle said: “People park outside the shop and when you come out with a two or three bags of shopping, you’re literally peering around the road to see if there is anything coming.
“Quite often you get halfway across and then you have to turn round and go back quickly as people are not always observing the 30mph speed limit.
“There are always near misses, but there’s going to be a serious if not fatal accident there.”
Gareth Milner, senior highways officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The decision to install a new zebra crossing in Donington comes after widespread consultation with local residents and the parish council.
“It will hopefully have a positive effect on the safety of pedestrians in the area for many years to come.”
The Walking for Health group meets on Tuesdays at the Ruby Hunt Centre at 10am.
There are 40 members, with the youngest a mum who takes her child in a pushchair and the eldest in her 80s.
Walks are two to two-and-a-half miles long or longer distances of three to five. Anyone interested can just turn up, wearing sensible shoes and clothing to suit the weather.