INVESTIGATIONS are being carried out to see whether a pedestrian crossing could be installed near a college campus and a primary school, following calls from staff, students and councillors concerned about safety.

The site in Langley Road, Watford, is close to two sharp bends and next to Nascot Wood JMI and a West Herts College campus. It is regularly used by mothers walking their children to school and students going to college.

Calls for a safe place to cross have increased since an accident at the spot a few weeks ago.

Watford Liberal Democrat spokesman on transport Councillor Dorothy Thornhill backed calls from the West Herts College site manager, Mrs Ellen Alexander, for a pedestrian crossing at the danger spot.

Councillor Thornhill said: "I have spoken to Mrs Alexander about this and written to Hertfordshire County Council, because I know there is the money for this sort of thing.

"The problem is that there is a set criteria to see whether a place qualifies to have a crossing put in.

"The area where we want a crossing does not meet the criteria because, for a large part of the day, it is not used enough. It is only used during peak hours.

"However, we are more concerned about safety than numbers so we have asked Watford Council to do another count to see whether something can be done."

Councillor Thornhill added: "We would like to take this campaign forward so if anyone agrees with the idea of a pedestrian crossing in that area they can write to the county council to show their support."

Letters should be addressed to Mr Malcolm Vaughn, area network manager, The Bury, Queensway, Hemel Hempstead HP11HR.

November 8, 2001 18:30