August 15, 2018 11.09 am This story is over 67 months old

Lincolnshire village on road safety and speeding mission

It should be complete by September 2
The crossing will help families who use King's Farm Day Nursery and Long Bennington CofE Academy. Photo: South Kesteven District Council

A community campaign and petition has resulted in a new zebra crossing and handheld speed guns for Lincolnshire village.

The crossing, which is expected to be completed by Sunday, September 2, is on the Main Road outside Long Bennington C of E Academy and will improve road safety for the whole community.

The campaign started three years ago, when South Kesteven District Councillor Paul Wood was on Lincolnshire County Council, and Kings Farm Nursery started a petition signed by over 2,000 people.

Parish councillors John Leventhall and Michael Walker receive the £850 grant certificate from SKDC Viking Ward member Cllr Paul Wood. Photo: South Kesteven District Council

Long Bennington Parish Council was asked for a £40,000 contribution towards the £56,000 needed to fund the project, with a Ward Member Grant of £500 by Councillor Wood helping meet the total.

Councillor Wood is also contributing a further £350 grant to buy a speed gun, speed signs and reflective clothing, which will be also used in villages around Long Bennington.

Local businesses and Lincolnshire County Council have also made contributions.

SKDC Viking Ward member Councillor Paul Wood looks over the crossing plans with other councillors. Photo: South Kesteven District Council

Villagers at Long Bennington will also aim to cut the speed of motorists through high visibility speed gun checks by trained volunteers.

As part of the project, the road will be narrowed at the crossing and pavements resurfaced. New lighting will also be installed.

Councillor Wood said: “The new crossing is a great project for the village which we should all be proud of. It has only come about by the entire community pulling together.”

Executive Member for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council, Councillor Richard Davies, added: “My hope is that, by making it safer for children to get to school on foot, more people will be encouraged to leave the car at home and choose a cleaner, greener and healthier way to travel.”