A THOUSAND-name petition calling for action to halt the speed of a busy Worcester road looks set to reap rewards.

Since November, Steve Brown and Hazel Chinn have been rallying round people living along Ombersley Road to help them in their quest to make the road safer.

Now, council officers have revealed the crossings are earmarked for construction in September or October.

"It remains our intention to introduce a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on Ombersley Road, near Northwick Road," said Andrew Rickman, assistant engineer for traffic management at Worcester City Council.

"As well as this facility, we're intending to implement a second similar crossing at another location north of the first.

"It is hoped that both crossings will be completed by September or October this year."

Mrs Chinn, of Knowle Court, first canvassed the idea of a crossing two years ago as she was concerned about the number of elderly people nearby battling to cross the road.

Mr Brown, a visually-impaired radio presenter, struggles to dodge the traffic with his guide dog Frankie.

"It's horrendous trying to get across," said the 49-year-old, of Victoria Street.

"I think the crossing would act as a traffic calming measure."

Mr Brown revealed that people throughout the area were backing the call for a crossing at the junctions of St Stephen's Street, Victoria Street and Northwick Road.

"The whole community wants this and is very pleased that it looks like we're going to get one installed.

"The amount of traffic is phenomenal and the crossing is definitely needed."

Residents were prompted into action last November, after an 11-year-old was injured in an accident close to the site of the proposed crossing.

There is no evidence that speed was a factor in the accident.