A WINDFARM developer has signed deal to fund a long-awaited pedestrian crossing in Burnham.

Last week Renewable Energy Systems (RES), developer and constructor of Turncole Wind Farm, and Essex County Council reached an agreement over the crossing in Church Road.

Campaigners have been calling for a crossing near Ormiston Rivers Academy for nearly two years.

The full cost of the construction of the zebra crossing and resurfacing works along the road is set to be £66,789.

RES will contribute £45,000 towards the cost with the Maldon Local Highways Panel meeting the difference to ensure the work goes ahead.

The works are now due to start over the coming months.

Tracy Scott, project manager for RES’ Turncole Wind Farm, said: “We committed £45,000 towards delivering a pedestrian crossing at this location during the consultation phase of the project.

“From the early days of the project the team understood the significance of this proposal to Burnham and this is why our staff worked so closely with local councillors and Essex Highways to ensure that it could happen.

“We are delighted that work is soon to begin, as once the crossing is installed it will greatly improve pedestrian safety at this location.”

The project has been hit by a series of delays since the idea was first mooted.

A site inspection in April last year found that there was an issue with the width of the footpath on Church Road with Essex Highways saying the pavement was too narrow to accommodate a zebra crossing.

After that problem had been solved, a second inspection was carried out in May which found an issue with an overhead power cable.

The project was also put on pause after an issue arose over how much the project would cost after the estimate rose to £121,000.

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.”