CASH for a long-awaited pedestrian crossing in Burnham has finally been secured.

Campaigners have been calling for a crossing on Church Road, Burnham, near Ormiston Rivers Academy, for nearly two years. However, last year it emerged the estimated cost for the project, initially believed to be £45,000, had risen to £121,000.

Last month, it was revealed Maldon’s Local Highways Panel had reviewed the scheme costs and agreed to combine the construction of the zebra crossing with resurfacing works long planned for 2017.

The full cost of the scheme has now been released as £66,798, and work is finally set to begin in May.

RES, the company building Turncole Windfarm, agreed to supply £45,000 worth of funding for the crossing — but only until June.

At a recent meeting of the Highways Panel, an agreement was secured that the panel would top up the difference to ensure the scheme was delivered.

Wendy Stamp, of Burnham Town Council, said: “More progress is great, but with the RES funding only available until June this year it’s cutting a fine line.

“I plan to keep pressing the council and highways panel for the time being to make sure works can get underway before the RES’ June deadline.”

Lisa Drury, of Glebe Way, Burnham, said: “This is really great news for the safety of children and adults that use Church Road.

“While May is five months away, it’s still better that we have a crossing with a set date for £66,000 than no crossing with no start date at a price of £120,000.

“The road is just as bad as ever, it’s so busy with no-one stopping to let people across, so when that happens children will take risks, and that’s when accidents happen.”

An RES spokesman said: “We are pleased to be able to report some positive movement and we will now progress this with the county council.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Maldon Local Highways Panel is pleased that RES will provide part of the cost of this new pedestrian crossing, and has agreed to fund the remaining amount.

“Work is expected to begin in May 2017, when more funding becomes available to the Panel.”