The site where an 89-year-old was fatally struck by a van in Watford has been revamped to improve safety.

The crash in Hempstead Road last May reignited calls to sort visibility at the crossing or close it altogether.

Trees and bushes at the roadside were previously cut back and a "dangerous" short path from Courtlands Drive and Stanbury Avenue was closed.

Watford Observer: The crossing nowThe crossing now (Image: Ken Phillips)

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More work was scheduled for today (March 24) and yesterday to complete visibility improvements, install metal fencing and clear the ground where trees, bushes and a dilapidated wall once stood.

Hertfordshire County Council had previously explained that initial works to clear the vegetation and improve visibility had revealed “part of the existing brick wall was in poor condition”.

Watford Observer: The crossing nowThe crossing now (Image: Ken Phillips)

It meant the railings were necessary to replace it, which were then ordered ahead of the latest work.

Other changes include tarmacking the footpath, adding two half barriers to create a safety chicane, and removing tree stumps, earth and chippings.

Stanbury Avenue resident Ken Phillips, who had campaigned for improvements at the crossing, said the area now looks “very good”.

“The refurbishment and the clearance of the vehicle blocking shrubbery along the side of the road has now converted in to a potentially very safe and nice looking pedestrian gap, with those crossing the road to the centre island very clearly seen by the approaching traffic from Watford,” he added.

Mr Phillips had previously told the Watford Observer that even long before the crash he had told his sons to avoid using the crossing due to its poor visibility.

Watford Observer: The crossing nowThe crossing now (Image: Ken Phillips)The footpath itself was closed immediately after the crash before trees and bushes were cut back last July.

This caused further “frustration” from locals due to “mess” from the work that was left lying around until yesterday.

Two-way traffic signals put in place for the works created long delays in Hempstead Road yesterday morning, but the work appears to have been completed quickly.