A HOTSPOT for dangerous driving and parking in Dinas Powys will be much better and safer after plans for two pedestrian crossings were announced by the Vale council, some councillors have said.

The traffic calming measures, to be installed at Castle Drive and Murch Road - with a completion date not yet known - include a puffin crossing on Murch Road and a zebra crossing on Castle Drive, as well as a 20mph zone on Castle Drive.

Castle Drive, known in the area for its convenience and takeaway stores, has been a particularly dangerous due to the cars parking outside Tesco.

The changes have been pushed for over the last few years by members of the Dinas Powys community.

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A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: “Work is set to take place along Murch Road and Castle Drive to improve pedestrian access in the area.

“Improvements are also planned for Murch Crescent as well as the Windyridge and Murch Road junctions.

“Financed by Section 106 contributions from the developer of the former St Cyres School site in Dinas Powys, the work is being carried out following requests from the local community and should begin this financial year.”

Conservative councillors Rob Crowley, Vince Driscoll, Stephen Griffiths and Andy Robertson say they are “excited” the crossings “have become a reality”.

Cllr Crowley said: "Pedestrians have found it hazardous crossing the road to Castle Drive due to the cars reversing and turning in to the street from Murch Road.

“This much needed crossing will be a blessing for residents who are walking to and from the shops."

Cllr Driscoll also threw his backing behind the plans, saying: "The crossing on Murch Road has been long needed by residents, particularly the elderly who live on Vale Court, Camms Corner, Fairoaks and Plas Essyllt."

Plaid Cymru councillor Chris Franks questioned the consultation over the road safety scheme, and said dates need to be set to avoid proctrastination.

He also said the changes should have come before housing developments at Murch Hill and Caerwent Gardens.

“There has long been a need for safety improvements at this hectic location,” he said. “I remember Val Hartrey was very active in support of the Residents Association campaign. But there is a lack of clarity about the plans.”

“It is vital that people are involved in any project. Traffic levels are only going to increase with 210 new houses at the top of Murch Hill and another 75 houses at Caerwent Gardens.

“Already some times of the day it can be chaotic. The condition of the road surface at this junction is dreadful. It has been neglected by the county council. Any safety scheme involving crossings should have been put in place before the addition developments were granted planning permission.”

Fellow Plaid Community Councillor Richard Grigg, who represents the area, said: “We welcome any safety measures but the county council must engage with the public.

“The Vale must also act to prevent parking on the grass verges and double yellow lines opposite Tesco. People, especially the elderly, find it difficult to cross Murch Road and Castle Drive.

"It is also important that we have a start time for any work. There are too many instances of delay and procrastination as far as schemes in Dinas Powys are concerned."