A NEW pedestrian crossing on one of Hartlepool's busiest roads has been approved by councillors.

Members of Hartlepool Borough Council’s neighbourhood services policy committee have agreed to the installation of the crossing on the A179 Easington Road dual carriageway, close to the Throston Grange Lane/Holdforth Road roundabout.

Government funding for the provision of transport-related schemes will cover the estimated £90,000 cost of the scheme.

The committee heard that concerns have long been raised over the difficulties faced by pedestrians when crossing the road, including those trying to reach the University Hospital of Hartlepool, a public house, a supermarket and bus stops.

Residents, ward councillors and the council’s North and Coastal Neighbourhood Forum have all called for a crossing to be installed at this point.

Councillor Marjorie James, committee chairman, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to identify funding for the crossing and that we are now in a position to address concerns.”