IT HAS been a cause for concern for workers on Basingstoke’s Basing View business park – but now a Hampshire council chief has said he hopes a much-needed pedestrian crossing will be in place by the end of this week.

Complaints have been made that there is no safe place to cross the road following the closure of a subway last month whilst work is underway to build a landmark multi-million pound John Lewis at home and Waitrose store.

Andrew Brown, who works for Unum, raised the matter with Hampshire County Council (HCC), fearing that someone will be injured or killed if a pedestrian crossing is not installed.

HCC failed to respond to The Gazette by the time we went to press last week. However, Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, has now said that he hopes a crossing will be in place by the end of this week.

He added: “The safety of pedestrians, other road users and the workforce is our top priority while planning both the temporary and permanent road infrastructure that will form part of the completed development.

“A temporary, signal-controlled pedestrian crossing is planned for the duration of the building work in Basing View. However the positioning of the crossing is proving more complex than was initially expected.

“In the meantime, traffic is being controlled by operatives with ‘stop’ signs during rush-hours and lunch times, helping people to cross the road safely.”

Mr Brown is still sceptical that the crossing will be installed this week, after previously being told that one would be put in place by November 27.

The 34-year-old added: “I am appalled that this has still not been rectified. Surely, with the millions of pounds invested in the project, the safety of pedestrians would be one of the first things on the agenda?”

After the issue was raised in The Gazette last week, a resident from Old Basing got in touch also concerned about the dangers facing pedestrians.

Martin Baugh said: “My daughter is an apprentice in Basing View and brought the issue to my attention. She is able-bodied but has become scared to cross the road especially on these dark evenings.”

Mr Baugh wrote to the John Lewis Partnership, and received a response from Sir Charlie Mayfield, the chairman, who said: “Your email has certainly struck a chord with us.

"As a result, I have been in touch with our head of construction and he has instructed the developer’s team to discuss this matter with Hampshire Road Safety Partnership, asking them to re-visit the site and to give an independent view of the current situation.”