HUNDREDS of people in Woodsetton are demanding action to prevent a potentially fatal accident on a dodgy zebra crossing.

Dudley borough councillors Adam Aston and Kieran Casey are backing a 500-name petition calling for improvements to the crossing on Sedgley Road.

They say there have been several near misses at the crossing when cars failed to stop for pedestrians. They are demanding the site is made into a full Pelican crossing which would be controlled by traffic lights.

Cllr Aston said: "I have seen it myself where older people have been waiting to cross Sedgley Road on the Zebra crossing and the traffic in one direction has stopped but cars coming from the other way have driven right through at high speed. It's a very busy road and a big issue locally.

"As a paramedic, I have attended at least two incidents on the Sedgley Road and so I'm only too aware of the potential dangers, I believe the installation of a full pelican crossing will help the situation a great deal."

Campaigners say the need for an upgrade to the crossing is made more urgent because it is within half-a-mile of Bramford Primary School, High Arcal School and Woodsetton School.

Campaigner Ken Love said: "It is time something was done about the problem before someone is seriously hurt.

"Both myself and cllr Casey have presented the petition to the Upper Gornal and Woodsetton community forum for consideration by the highways department."

Cllr Judy Foster Dudley cabinet member for transportation said: "We have recieved a petition with reference to the crossing on Sedgley Road.

"Transport officers will now undertake an investigation to determine what future action needs to be taken."