Angry Acomb pensioner Francis Morrissey has slammed City of York Council over plans to build a pedestrian crossing in Acomb in what he claims is the wrong place.

Francis Morrissey with his York Citizen's Guide at the site of the proposed pedestrian crossing in Beckfield Lane, Acomb

Mr Morrissey, 70, who has lived in Beckfield Lane for more than 40 years, first contacted the council in 1998 to highlight the need for a crossing in his busy road.

He explained: "They sent us a letter a few weeks ago, with two options.

"Option A was in front of a bus lay-by, 100 yards further down the road than option B. We were very pleased with option B, because it would be in front of an old people's home, on one side, across to some shops on the other."

However, at a recent Acomb Neighbourhood Forum meeting, Mr Morrissey claims that there was no alternative choice of location on the table.

"There were about 40 people there, and when it came to a vote, there was no Option B.

"So we were asked whether we wanted a crossing at all, and of course everyone voted in favour."

He added: "It's undemocratic. Why waste £1,600 of tax payer's money to put a crossing in the wrong place? "No-one is going to walk 100 yards down the road to cross it, and it would be much easier for residents in the home, and other elderly people in the area, if the crossing was in front of the shops."

Mr Morrissey's neighbour, Ray Allen, a retired police officer, also spoke out against the location of the crossing, saying it would block his drive. "It's a road safety hazard. If I reversed out, I could obscure a small child crossing the road," he said.

A spokesman for City of York Council strongly denied there had been a lack of consultation or choice over the siting of the new crossing for Beckfield Lane.

He said: "This is an Acomb Neighbourhood Forum initiative and there has been months and months of consultation including a customer survey to find the best possible site for a new crossing in terms of safety, technical feasibility and, of course, cost.

"The Forum did look at a number of options, but not all were feasible on technical or safety grounds. People voted three to one in favour of this option. We look forward to the time when the crossing will provide safer crossing for all residents in this area."

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