OAP in crossing warning

2:42pm Friday 28th March 2008

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AN ELDERLY woman had a lucky escape when she tried to cross the road on a pedestrian crossing that has been out of action for 10 weeks.

Alice Moody, 86, who is partially blind and walks with a white stick, was trying to cross St Margaret's Street in the centre of Bradford on Avon when she was nearly knocked down.

The pedestrian crossing needs re-wiring but contractors for Wiltshire County Council cannot access the wires without workmen from the gas company overseeing them, as the wires are close to a gas main.

Mrs Moody, of Rope Walk, said: "I was walking back home and it was market day so there were a lot of folk wanting to cross the road.

"About a dozen cars went by as I waiting for a lull.

"Then as I was about half way across a car came down too fast and jammed the brakes on.

"Another lady on the other side of the road was crossing at the same time as me and she said Cor, that was close wasn't it'.

"To hear the screech of brakes before even seeing the car it's not funny."

Mrs Moody said she wears a fluorescent jacket so she can be easily seen and always waits until there are no cars around before crossing.

But this is the not the first time she has felt unsafe crossing the road and she has contacted the council at least twice to tell them.

Wiltshire County Council said its hands are tied as it is waiting for the gas company to send workmen. However, a spokesman did say they would consider putting in temporary lights if the delays continued.

A spokesman for Wales & West Utilities said: "We have been liaising with the local council and it has been agreed that our work will be complete this weekend so that they can continue with their work to bring the traffic lights into order."