Campaigners win fight for crossing

From the archive, first published Thursday 13th Feb 2003.

Campaigners in Oxford have won their battle to get a crossing near to where a teenager was hit by a car.

More than 800 people had signed a petition calling for a crossing in Headley Way, Headington.

Emma Dibdin, 14, was injured after being hit by a car in November 2002. Pupils from Headington School cross the road every day.

Her mother Sybil Sheringham Dibdin, 51, of Staunton Road, led the campaign to get the crossing included in the 2003/2004 plans for the Headington and Marston Area Transport Strategy.

HAMATS is a five-year scheme aimed at tackling growing congestion and parking problems in the area.

Mrs Sheringham Dibdin handed the petition over to Oxfordshire County Council officers at the HAMATS steering group meeting on February 12 and they decided the scheme should go ahead.

She said: "I'm delighted. It is proof that it is worth residents trying to get things done, with the help of local councillors."

She added that many residents had also asked when a crossing planned for St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Headley Way, would be installed.

Council officers say this crossing could also go ahead next year, but a final decision cannot be made until the authority has confirmation that Government funding will be available.

Mrs Sheringham Dibdin said she would continue to campaign for that crossing, and 15 others planned in the HAMATS scheme, to be built as soon as possible.

The city councillors for the Headington area, Stephen Tall and David Rundle, backed Mrs Sheringham Dibdin's campaign.

Mr Tall said: "This is great news, but is only the start.

"Headington's chronic traffic problems will not be solved by one new pedestrian crossing."

The HAMATS programme for next year includes six other crossings, cycle routes and parking zones.

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