By Martin Walker
A busy crossing in Newton Aycliffe is to receive a £40,000 revamp in an effort to improve safety for school pupils.
The zebra crossing on Central Avenue, which links a number of footpaths in the area, is being transformed into a pelican crossing thanks to funding from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP).
Councillors John Moran, Sarah Iveson, Joan Gray and Paul Gittins have donated £20,000 from their neighbourhood budgets to enable the crossing work to go ahead.
In addition, a further £15,000 has been secured from Durham County Council’s neighbourhood services local area programme, and an extra £5,000 from the elected members’ area allowance.
Brian Riley, GAMP co-ordinator, said: “These improvements will be a great benefit to local residents when it comes to convenience, highway safety and general well-being, for pedestrians and road users.”
GAMP is one of 14 Area Action Partnerships set up by Durham County Council in 2009.