Hundreds sign petition calling for village zebra crossing

Calls for Starcross crossing

A petition signed by more than 400 people calling for a vital zebra crossing has been submitted to Devon’s senior leaders.

Residents have been galvanised behind a plea for a zebra crossing on New Road in Starcross, which would help children safely access the village’s school.

Councillor Alan Connett (Liberal Democrat, Exminster & Haldon) presented the petition, which he said had been supported by the headteacher at Starcross Primary School and the trust that it is part of.

“Starcross needs a zebra crossing on New Road as it is very busy and there is no safe crossing point to the school,” Cllr Connett told Devon County Council’s full council meeting (Thursday 4 December).

“But it needs to be crossed by half the village to reach the pavilions and sports field, and with the A379 currently closed now until 23 December, all traffic is going through New Road, emphasising the need for a zebra crossing.”

Cllr Connett said the “rapid support” for the petition had been secured in just a few days, and that included the area’s MP, Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat).

He handed the petition to the council’s leader, Councillor Julian Brazil (Liberal Democrat, Kingsbridge) in the hope the council will assess the request and make a decision on the crossing soon.

It’s not clear how a zebra crossing would be funded. Back in 2023, the county council secured funding from the Active Travel Fund, which distributes money to councils for initiatives aimed at making the likes of walking and cycling easier, for a zebra crossing near a school in Appledore.

That cost around £120,000, which prompted concerns at the time about the amount being spent on it, as some felt the money should be used instead to encourage walking or cycling to the school.