IMPROVED road crossings should be installed around Exeter’s new leisure centre and bus station, according to the Green Party.

Andy Ketchin, the party’s campaigner in Newtown and St Leonard’s, has called on the city and county councils to make changes to ensure the safety of people walking and cycling to and from St Sidwell’s Point, the bus station, Vue cinema and the job centre.

In particular, he wants to see improved crossings in Cheeke Street, Paris Street and Western Way and has launched an online survey to gather views about the difficulties people face when walking or cycling in the area.

The party claims people have told them that they currently find these crossings “dangerous”, adding: “We agree with them and want the council to take action to improve these crossings.”

Mr Ketchin, who failed to be elected to the city council last year – coming second to Labour in Newtown and St Leonard’s – said: “Many of the people arriving in this part of the city have to negotiate a series of busy roads and dangerous junctions.

“Limited or non-existent crossings make getting round the Western Way roundabout unsafe and inconvenient.

“The pool and cinema are popular with families. We need to see new and improved crossings so that children can access these leisure facilities independently and parents feel confident that their children will arrive safely.

“Walking and cycling to key city services should be safe and easy,” said Mr Ketchin, who added: “The Labour-led city council and Tory-led county council must now demonstrate that all the talk about active travel and zero carbon is being followed through by action.”

A spokesperson for Exeter City Council said: “Our Live and Move team is working closely with the transport authority, Devon County Council, on plans to improve walking and cycling routes through Newtown and the Triangle Car Park.

“The city council is keen to see more people walking and cycling through this area for commuting to work, accessing the city centre and as an activity to stay fit and healthy.

“This is part of our commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 as well as getting more and more people across the city active.”

A Devon County Council spokesperson said: “We’re due to launch a consultation on our draft Exeter Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) later this month where people will be invited to have their say on priorities for improvements to walking and cycling routes in the city.

“The recent bus station and leisure centre developments in the area has reduced traffic on Cheeke Street to make it easier for people to cross and we are also working closely with Exeter City Council on plans to improve walking and cycling routes between Newtown and the city centre.

“We’re committed to achieving our ambition for 50 per cent of work trips originating in Exeter to be made by foot or cycle by 2030,” they added.

Ollie Heptinstall

LDRS