traders have welcomed the installation of a new crossing of a busy stretch of Wey Hill, next to St Christopher’s Green, which suffered from visibility problems for motorists.

County councillor Nikki Barton confirmed an agreement has been reached for a further crossing with the property developer, Stonegate Homes, if its application to build 55 flats on Wey Hill near the railway bridge is agreed.

Four years ago, more than 500 supporters signed a petition launched by Amanda Baker from Wey Hill-based business Alan Baker Flooring, calling for a crossing to be installed, because she “felt so strongly a terrible accident was waiting to happen”.

Welcoming the new crossing this week, Mr Baker said: “It’s got to be a good thing to be able to get safely across the road at that point.

“I drive up and down the road all the time and the new flashing lights are very visible, you can’t fail to see them.

“It also makes it safer and easier for people to get to the Wey Hill Fairground car park.”

Mrs Barton told The Herald: “I have given my full support to this crossing to secure Local Area Committee funding for the scheme. I have been delighted with the very positive feedback from residents and the public.

“Working with the Surrey County Council highways team, we were able to address the concerns of one resident by moving one of the lighting columns, and putting shields on the Belisha lights to reduce light spill.

“I can also confirm that having raised local concerns with the the council highways planning team about the need for pedestrian safety improvements when the old Clements site in Weyhill is developed, agreement has now been reached with the developer to fund these improvements as part of the scheme when implemented.”

Haslemere Town Council, which would have preferred the new crossing to be located closer to the proposed new residential development, welcomed the county’s support for a third crossing as part of the plan.

“The council’s stated view is it has a preference for a crossing further along Wey Hill near the Cook shop and this has not changed,” the town clerk said.

“However councillor Barton, supported by county council officers, did state the two crossings were not mutually exclusive. She assured councillors if a development of Nos. 5-21 Wey Hill does take place, another crossing at the council’s preferred location would be considered, and indeed pushed for by the county council.

“The town council looks forward to being consulted as to the location of a third Wey Hill crossing if such is proposed at some future date.”