Puffin crossing near University of Chester could be on the move

Feb 2 2009 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A PROPOSED Puffin crossing close to the University of Chester could be relocated.

The crossing is planned on Parkgate Road close to the Exton Park entrance to the campus.

At an earlier stage, city highway chiefs agreed that £40,000 included in the local transport plan budget for other measures could be used to provide a Puffin crossing on the road close to Hayes Park.

Area highway manager Mr Colin Stredder says there has been a request from the university to provide the crossing for students.

An assessment suggested the crossing should be installed on the city side of Exton Park and this was advertised for public consultation.

City and county councillors have now been told it has emerged the crossing should be moved closer to Hayes Park as more students cross the road at that point.

Further investigations have shown this to be the case, says Mr Stredder and he recommended the crossing should be provided closer to Hayes Park.

The new location would be "more appropriate" he suggested.

It has been found that 160 students cross the road at that point at lunchtime and over 100 in the afternoon.

College ward councillors David Mead (Lib Dem) and Janet Black and Sandra Rudd (Lab) support the provision of a crossing in the area according to a report.

The Puffin is also backed by Cheshire West and Chester councillors Max Drury (Indt, City) and Tom Parry (Con, City).

No objections have been raised by the police.

Supporting the change, Cllr Mead told a meeting of the city's highways and transportation committee:"The new location is an improvement.

"I hope we get on with this job."

County Cllr Peter Byrne (Lab, City) said he has no objection to the new location.

County Cllr Eveleigh Moore Dutton (Con, Broxton) moved that notice should be given of the intention to install the crossing and that the work should go ahead if no objections are received.

This was agreed by the committee.

Councillors heard the scheme is being progressed with the expectation it will be carried out by the end of March.