Sam Rushworth's petition for safe crossing at Tindale Crescent

Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, has launched the petition to have one pedestrian crossing installed at Tindale Crescent, near the retail park and another installed by Bracks Farm, crossing the A688.

He said many local residents had contacted him to express their ongoing worries which have been raised consistently over time.

Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland, said hundreds of concerned residents had signed the petition (Image: Parliament TV)

Mr Rushworth said: “Hundreds of concerned residents have signed my petition, placing on record their worries about crossing this busy road, where vehicles regularly reach speeds of up to 60mph.

“The area is poorly lit, and the existing crossing points have no traffic lights, making it particularly hazardous for pedestrians.”

The Labour MP said he has raised the issue repeatedly with Durham County Council, adding: “The power to act on this matter lies with the council, and I have been clear that there is both the authority and responsibility to take action to improve pedestrian safety.”

Although the council is already working on a safe crossing plan, Mr Rushworth said the matter is urgent and hopes the petition will speed up any planned work.

The petition has so far been signed by more than 550 people, and the council said it will consider it once it is submitted.

A petition to speed up plans for a pedestrian crossing at Tindle Cresent, Bishop Auckland, has been signed by hundreds of people (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

In response to Mr Rushworth, Kieron Moralee, Durham County Council’s traffic management section manager, said: “We are aware of Mr Rushworth’s petition and will consider it once it is submitted to us.

“Road safety is extremely important to us and all requests for measures are considered against strict criteria which take into account various factors, including numbers of collisions in which someone was injured.”

Mr Rushworth said he is petitioning the council for pedestrian crossings at Tindale Crescent and Bracks Farm to ensure the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians, children, and those with limited mobility.

He acknowledged there are demands for safer crossings in many parts of Bishop Auckland, but said the two areas in the petition are of urgent need.

A petition to speed up plans for a pedestrian crossing at Tindle Cresent, Bishop Auckland, has been signed by hundreds of people (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The MP added: “To date, I have been informed that a decision on the installation of a pedestrian crossing to serve the new Tindale Shopping Park is contingent on making decisions around potential future development along the road near Brewers Fayre.

“However, I have stressed that this community needs immediate action, and that pedestrian safety should not be put on hold while longer-term development proposals are considered.”

The MP said that while the petition is ongoing, he urges all drivers to be courteous and considerate of pedestrians waiting at the sides of the roundabout trying to cross.