Victory in fight for A456 crossing in Halesowen

An eight-year battle has been won for a pedestrian crossing to be installed on a road in Halesowen labelled one of the most dangerous in Britain.

More than 500 people backed plans for the crossing on the A456 dual carriageway in Hayley Green during a recent public consultation into the proposals.

And today it was announced that the go-ahead has been given by Dudley Council transport bosses – with work on the £80,000 project now scheduled to start next month.

Four people have been killed in accidents on the busy commuter route, which runs between Birmingham and Kidderminster.

The road was dubbed the second most dangerous in Britain when it featured in an ITV documentary after a survey found more than 10,500 drivers breaking the speed limit.

The signal-controlled pedestrian crossing will be staggered across both carriageways near Hayley Park Road.

Councillor Ken Turner, who led the campaign, said today: "It is fantastic news and a wonderful opportunity now for youngsters to get across safely."