A ZEBRA crossing has been installed near a children’s play area after a long-running community campaign.

Councillors had fought to get the crossing in Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, for a number of years.

Now Pendle Council and Lancashire County Council have joined forced to fund the £18,000 crossing near to Cats Park multi-use games area.

The need for a crossing had also been pressed recently by the Southfield Residents’ Association and Walverden Primary School, during a meeting with the Pendle Council localities team.

Coun Sheila Wicks, who represents the Southfield ward, said: “People living on streets like Smith Street, Pine Street and Tavistock Street have to cross Barkerhouse Road to access Cats Park.

“Before the crossing was installed, this proved hazardous at times.

“What seems like a small change has made a massive difference to the lives of people in the area as they now feel able to cross the road in safety.”

County Coun Azhar Ali, who has responsibility for Nelson South, said: “People’s concerns about road safety near where they live have a real impact on their quality of life and the choices they make about whether to let their children play out.

“I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to improve safety for people crossing Barkerhouse Road.”

Pendle Council contributed £6,500 towards the crossing, with Lancashire County Council providing £11,500 of funding.

Tim Horsley, Pendle Council’s locality lead for Nelson, said: “This is just one of many ways in which the localities team is working hard within our local communities, to support residents in making positive changes.”