A ‘LIFE-SAVING’ zebra crossing which has been under development for more than two years is finally nearing completion.

The crossing on Church Road in Burnham has been in demand for more than two years, with campaigners claiming it could potentially save lives and avoid injuries of the many Ormiston Rivers Academy pupils crossing the busy road.

Renewable Energy Systems (RES), developer and constructor of Turncole Wind Farm, and Essex County Council signed a deal to build the crossing on Church Road earlier this year.

The full cost of the construction of the zebra crossing and resurfacing works along the road is set to be £66,789. RES contributed £45,000 with Maldon Local Highways Panel making up the difference.

The project had been delayed over issues such as Highways bosses saying Church Road’s footpath was too narrow, problems with an overhead power cable and a price tag that briefly hit £121,000.

The work finally began in May, with only a few metal fence panels on the grass verge remaining.

The campaign was spearheaded by Lisa Drury, the late Ian Sisterson and Burnham Town Councillor Wendy Stamp.

Mrs Drury, who has children in Ormiston, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon that it’s now here, it’s been a long battle but the results will bring peace of mind to me as a parent that these children will have a safe place to cross such a busy road.

“I’m up here twice a day to take my son to school, and every day I see people in their droves using this crossing.

“The response has been absolutely amazing.

“I’ve seen teachers and other people really pushing people to walk down from the bend further up and cross here.

“It may well save a life, and it will prevent those scary near misses with drivers who fly around the corner.

“We hit so many dead ends and set backs, to have the crossing here and functioning, and seeing the children use it makes it worthwhile.”

Wendy Stamp said: “This will bring about real change to the safety of the people here, not just the school children. We have elderly and frailer residents in the town walking this road. They will use it too, we’ve seen them already. The school head Joan Costello is equally pleased, she’s really encouraging her children to use it.

“We should also say this is great for the memory of Ian Sisterson, who sadly died last year. He was with us throughout our campaign and was a driving force. His widow Jane couldn’t be happier.

“I’d like to thank all those who stuck with us and helped with the campaign, including the Standard. It kept up the pressure on the council and highways and it wouldn’t be here without it.”