CAMPAIGNERS in Netherton appear to be winning their battle for a council rethink on a controversial pedestrian crossing.

Traders and residents have been calling for Dudley Council to change their plans for a new pelican crossing on Cinder Bank.

Objectors, along with ward councillor Qadar Zada, say the new crossing would increase risks to pedestrians by cutting on-street parking spaces outside shops, forcing motorists to park elsewhere and cross the road on foot.

Cllr Zada said: “If they keep it in this place it is more risk, we are extremely concerned. We have started a petition and already have around 50 names.”

There is already a crossing close to the proposed controversial site and Cllr Zada is proposing an alternative location further away, nearer to Simms Lane, which he says will benefit school children, bus passengers and church goers.

Cllr Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley cabinet member for transport, said: “We received a request via the community forums for a crossing at Cinder Bank and we have been working on a £50,000 pelican crossing.

“However we have received objections about the suggested location and we are looking at alternative sites. We are very grateful to the feedback we have received on this issue, listening to the community is key in ensuring we get the right scheme at the right location."