ROAD safety campaigners are fighting for the installation of a pedestrian crossing on the A59.

Thousands of vehicles pass through the busy main road in Gisburn each day where there is no level crossing.

Residents in Gisburn said the situation has got so bad many have real concerns over the number of vulnerable people including young children and elderly people, who have to take ‘unnecessary risks’ when crossing the stretch of road.

Gisburn Parish Council have called on Lancashire County Council to carry out an assessment of the road to see if it meets the criteria for a crossing.

Cllr David Waters, who set up the Gisburn pedestrian crossing campaign is inviting residents to join him for a day of protest on September 9 at 11am.

He said: “There is strength of feeling about this amongst residents.

“Already 60 people have signed up to our petition to instal a pedestrian crossing.

“Lancashire County Council is the responsible authority and they have the power to provide the solution.”

The A59, which stretches through Preston, Samlesbury, Mellor Brook, Salesbury, :Langho, Whalley, Barrow, Clitheroe, Chatburn and Gisburn was once listed as ‘one of the most dangerous in the country’ because of the number of accidents that occur there.

The crossroads where the A59 meets Pendle Road, Clitheroe was described by campaigners as an accident blackspot with many calling for traffic calming measures.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: “I would endorse the introduction of traffic calming measures here.

“I think there should be a zebra crossing, with traffic lights.

“It is not just the volume of traffic there that’s the issue but the speed of it.

“I can see people being mowed down on the zebra crossing if there are no traffic lights.

“This road is just an absolute thoroughfare."

Mum-of-three Kirsty Hopcraft, from Gisburn, said: “My children and I have to take unnecessary risks in crossing this busy road.

“Lancashire County Council need to do something to protect people who cross this road and stop a serious accident from happening.”

Harvey Danson, Lancashire County Council area highways manager, said: “We will consider the request set out in the e-petition when it has closed in early October.”