CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to continue the fight to get a zebra crossing in Stalbridge town centre despite their pleas being rejected by the county council.

Blackmore Vale county councillor David Fox and town councillor Bob Penfold have been leading the calls for a crossing in the High Street, but Dorset County Council has removed it from its list of works to be done.

Cllr Fox said: "This is so short-sighted, not least with the massive growth expected at Henstridge Airfield.

"Stalbridge deserves more attention from county hall, as it gets a rough deal at present."

There have been calls for a crossing on the road for over a decade and rising traffic levels along the busy A357 are now having even more of an impact on the town, with the problem made worse by illegally parked cars.

Cllr Penfold said: "There are not many towns now - even in Dorset - that have a major road right through the centre of them.

"We have three clusters of accommodation for elderly people, a care home and a primary school all within 100 yards of the High Street."

Cllr Penfold is collecting signatures on a petition to press the county council to take action but cabinet members have upheld a recommendation from the roads and right of way committee to take the proposal off their plans.

A county council spokesman said: "The request for a zebra crossing at Stalbridge was evaluated according to county council guidelines.

"At present, the site does not meet the criteria required to install a crossing, however, if the situation changes, we will be more than happy to look at the site again."

Cllr Penfold said: "This is the latest blow for Stalbridge. The county council is threatening to close our library and the district council expects us to put up our council tax rate and take over some of their services - either that or our toilet will close."