Nottinghamshire County Councillor Sue Saddington calls for urgent pedestrian safety measures in Kelham

A councillor has called for a pedestrian crossing in a small village with heavy through-traffic, highlighting the increased safety it would provide residents.

Sue Saddington has called for urgent action to improve pedestrian safety on the A617 in Kelham, and raised the issue at a Nottinghamshire County Council full council meeting on September 18.

The topic was raised during the constituency issues section of the agenda, which allows councillors to raise awareness of subjects relating to their areas — without any debate or decisions being taken at that time.

Mrs Saddington highlighted the risks faced by residents who live on both sides of the busy road, where pavements are narrow and often run alongside tight, blind bends.

“Lorries pound through the village, resulting in residents being unable to cross the road in complete safety,” she said.

“The river in Kelham frequently floods, making it even more difficult to cross the A617.”

The councillor explained that Kelham has ‘no real community space’, meaning residents often have no choice but to walk along the A617 to reach their destinations — resulting in school children, families walking dogs, and older residents facing difficulties accessing bus stops, pubs, the church and other amenities.

Mrs Saddington added. “I presented a petition on this towards the end of the last administration, residents would like a crossing between Home Farm Close and Kelham Hall.

“A pedestrian crossing would enable residents, including children, to walk to the bus stop, the Red House Hotel, the church, and The Fox public house safely.”

She stressed that a safe crossing point, away from the flood-prone areas near the river, would provide lasting reassurance for village residents.