Work starts on dangerous road crossing after seven-year campaign (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Crossing in dangerous road being built after seven year campaign

12:00pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Alexandra Rucki

A crossing is being built in a busy road following a seven year campaign.

Work will begin on the zebra crossing in Furzedown Road, Tooting, later this month.

People living in Thrale Road and the surrounding area have spent years dodging traffic for years at the roundabout in order to reach Tooting Bec Common.

Concerns were raised and a petition containing hundreds of signatures were handed to Wandsworth Council in 2006.

It was rejected the following year, but MP Sadiq Khan and Tooting councillors continued the campaign.

Seven years after the campaign began the council are beginning work on the crossing March 18, with work expected to be complete in three weeks.

Furzedown Road will be closed during some phases of work, between the junctions of Thrale Road and Clairview Road.

Judi Gasser, a parent, said: "As a mother of small children I was worried about the level of traffic around the Thrale Road roundabout and supported this campaign from the beginning back in 2006.

"Thanks to the determination of our local MP and councillors I am delighted that we will finally have this crossing."

MP Sadiq Khan said: "I have seen first hand how urgently a crossing was needed here, as children and other pedestrians had to dodge traffic to reach the Common.

"This great news just goes to show that when a community campaigns together, alongside local Councillors and the MP, and really perseveres, Tooting can become a safer place for everyone."