FOR the last four years, partially-sighted Steve Brown, and his guide-dog Frankie have often had to wait 10 minutes to cross the busy Ombersley Road.

Schoolchildren and elderly people are some of the other groups who have also found it hard to cross the road, outside the Co-op, at the junction of Ombersley Road and Northwick Road.

But now the traffic has to stop for them, after the opening of a new pelican crossing which was put into operation last week. It is so hi-tech that when the green man appears, blind and partially-sighted pedestrians can also tell when to cross, because the button spins.

Pensioner Hazel Chinn - who organised a petition four years ago, which raised more than 1,000 signatures - is particularly pleased.

"Elderly people needed a crossing here, because they are slow moving," said 82-year-old Mrs Chinn, who lives in Noel Court sheltered housing.

"All the engineers were very swift and polite in their energies.

"I'm absolutely over the moon with the result of all of our labours.

"I'd like to say thank you to all the residents and the local people for their support."

But Councillor Mary Drinkwater, who supported the campaign, said the original position for the crossing had been earmarked for Noel Court, at least 30ft away from where it is.

She said the current position meant that people had to cross on a main road, at the junction of Ombersley Road and Northwick Road, and joining the Co-op.

The crossing is also geared up for blind, partially-sighted and deaf people.

"There are five guide dog owners in the area, and the new crossing will really help us," said 51-year-old fellow-campaigner Mr Brown, who has lost 70 per cent of his sight.

"I'd like to say thank you to Coun Drinkwater who has put in a lot of work."