RESIDENTS close to a busy Poole road are celebrating after a much-used crossing is set to be upgraded.

For 10 years campaigners have been seeking to have the zebra crossing outside Cynthia House in Ringwood Road, Newtown changed to a controlled puffin crossing.

Now Borough of Poole is proposing to include in the capital programme for 2015/16 expenditure of £248,676 on four schemes including £66,973 of developer contributions to update the crossing.

“This is great news,” said Jill Vincent, who with husband David presented a petition of more than 100 signatures to the council’s transportation advisory group two years ago.

“We have worked hard for this for years. At last we can cross the road in safety,” said Jill who lives in Cynthia Close.

Her request to upgrade the crossing to the most advanced one which is controlled by lights, and can also detect pedestrians waiting and crossing, was supported unanimously by members.

Cllr Graham Wilson, ward councillor, said: “I have collected three petitions from sheltered housing residents in Cynthia House and Cynthia Close and lots of requests from other residents in Newtown ward.

“We have been very patient, and at last funding has been realised via the South East Dorset Transport Contributions Scheme within the Newtown and Parkstone wards. I am thrilled by this news, which for me came out of the blue.”

Another upgrade to a puffin crossing at Ashley Road near the junction with North Road has also been welcomed.

“The new puffin crossing will give improved safety for pedestrians and residents that live nearby and will be very helpful for residents of The Grange Leonard Cheshire care home,” said Cllr Wilson.

Other schemes include a puffin crossing at Osborne Road near the junction with Alton Road and a toucan crossing (for pedestrians and cyclists) on Sandbanks Road near Turks Lane.