A “dangerous” crossing where an elderly woman was killed will be closed permanently.

Betty Shaer, 89, died after being hit by a van as she crossed Hempstead Road between Courtlands Drive and Stanbury Avenue on Friday, May 20.

There is very limited visibility both from and of the entrance of the footpath leading to Stanbury Avenue, partly due to trees and bushes blocking it from view.

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The footpath had been temporarily closed to allow trees and bushes to be cut back, however, with this work now completed it has not been reopened and the Observer understands it is unlikely to reopen in the future.

Councillor Mark Watkin, who represents Nascot Ward where the crossing is located, said: “The crossing should be closed, that’s my position at the moment.

Watford Observer: The footpath at the crossingThe footpath at the crossing

“You can take that as read that that crossing will be closed.”

Cllr Watkin said temporary closures will remain in place until a process to permanently close the path goes through, which he estimates will take around three to six months.

Neighbours met with Hertfordshire County Council representatives, including Cllr Watkin to discuss the crossing on July 11.

Watford Observer: Emergency Services in Hempstead Road after the crashEmergency Services in Hempstead Road after the crash

Ken Phillips, who lives in Stanbury Avenue, was at the meeting. He said: “We all basically agreed that the existing gap should be closed permanently.

Potential options are planned to be put to residents to see how to move forward.

Mr Phillips has pushed for the crossing to close since the fatal crash, he said: “I have lived here for 47 years, and we always told our boys to avoid that crossing.

"It has always been a disaster waiting to happen."

Watford Observer: The crossing prior to being cut backThe crossing prior to being cut back

Cllr Watkin added: “I suspect people have talked to me about it before but never with any great significance, it's one that slipped through the net.

“It had been there for probably 50 years.”

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “We have been reviewing the safety of the Hempstead Road crossing point following the recent tragic incident.

“We will be carrying out further work at the site to improve safety and carrying out a safety audit of the crossing.”

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