Citing a concern for community safety residents in Laurieton are calling on locals to sign a petition pushing council to reconsider placement of a second pedestrian crossing on Bold Street.
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Over 12 months ago it was announced that the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council applied and received funding for the implementation of a crossing through the NSW Government's stronger Country Communities Fund.
In December 2018, it was then announced the placement of said new pedestrian crossing would be located near the entry to the Coles carpark much to the concern of residents who believe it should be 50 metres closer to Tunis Street than currently proposed.
After a renewed push from residents, council on April 9, once again reiterated that it would not change their mind Howard Hunt and a croup of residents have started a petition.
"Pedestrian safety is paramount and where the council propose to place the pedestrian crossing would not be in the best interest of residents and people wanting to cross the road," Mr Hunt said.
"Most people in Laurieton believe the pedestrian crossing should be located closer to the exit of Coles and the chemist as that stretch of road is the most used rather than 50 metres away.
"If they were to put the crossing where they say they, will it would be an extra 100 metre walk for people who buy their shopping to get to the chemist safely and in reality people won't walk the extra metres they will just cross the road unsafely."
So far the petition has more than 300 signatures and Mr Hunt hopes to present the petitions to mayor Peta Pinson by May 24.
The petition is located at Laurieton United Services Club, Kew Country Club, Discount Chemist on Bold Street, Clipz & Snipz and The Department Store in Laurieton.
John Saunders from the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce said the chamber supported the petition.
"The idea of a second pedestrian crossing has been in the making for a number of years," Mr Saunders said.
"The safety of pedestrians was the chambers number one concern and it is baffling why it has taken this long. However now we believe the proposed crossing is in the wrong spot and should be closer to Tunis Street"
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council director Jeffery Sharp said council had no plans to change the crossing location.