"AT LONG last". That is the feeling of many Ongar residents after hearing that a zebra crossing is to be installed in the High Street, near Love Lane.
The crossing, which will be situated between the junctions with Great Lawn and Bowes Drive, is being built as part of an agreement attached to a nearby development.
Ongar Town Council (OTC) has been pushing for the crossing on the busy stretch of road for many years, citing several reasons for its use.
Deputy town clerk Judith Cook said: "It is something I have been pushing for many years.
"I won't stop pestering Essex County Council until I have a date and exact location but, if all goes to plan, it should be built between Bowes Drive and Great Lawn junctions.
"There is a real need for the crossing. It is a busy road and the nearest crossing is outside Budworth Hall.
"Children get off the bus from school there, the Sports and Social Club at Love Lane is used by children and adults of all ages.
"Then there is the blood centre, also held at Love Lane, which many elderly people use."
Liz May, a member of the Ongar Mums Group (OMG), said: "I take my children to Love Lane all the time. It is great to hear that a crossing is finally going in.
"It is a very busy road and can be dangerous, especially with children.
"The only alternative at the moment is to walk down to the Budworth Hall crossing or wait for your chance.
"I just hope they build it quickly, but it is really welcome news and I know all the Ongar Mums support it."
Derek Jacobs, Epping Forest district councillor for Chipping Ongar, Greensted and Marden Ash, has also been a long-term supporter of the crossing.
The 72-year-old, of Mayfair Way, Ongar, said: "I proposed the site where it is finally going in many years ago. OTC had preferred a site closer to Love Lane but that was never going to be practical.
"Where it is going in there is perfect line of sight from both directions.
"There is plenty of room on the paths and the council own the land on both sides, whereas nearer Love Lane the banking is owned by the house there.
"It is really good news that it is finally going ahead and in the place I have supported for years."
An Essex County Council spokeswoman said: "A zebra crossing will be installed at this location. The cost will be met by the developer of the nearby new homes as set out in a legal agreement attached to the planning application.
"We are in the process of scheduling dates for its installation. The new crossing will improve pedestrian links within the area and into the town."
