Construction to start on pedestrian crossing on Bold Street, Laurieton

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council informed businesses along Laurieton's main street this week that construction would begin in early March.

This comes almost two years to the day since the crossing was first announced in March 2018.

The placement of the crossing between Seymour and Tunis Streets has caused much community protest with a petition with more than 600 signatures presented to council in May, 2019.

In a letter to businesses Gary Randall Port Macquarie-Hastings group manager, project delivery, said after community angst council decided in september to change the crossing's location.

"Following feedback from the community regarding the proposed location of the pedestrian crossing, Council resolved at the Ordinary Council meeting held on September 18, 2019 to move the crossing to the northern end of Bold Street between the Coles exit and Tunis Street, adjacent to the Pharmacy," Mr Randall said.

"Construction is scheduled to commence in early March with completion expected by the end of June, 2020."

The letter also states that "council will commence discussions with businesses and residents directly adjacent to the proposed works to discuss constraints and opportunities ahead of construction."

Howard Hunt was an outspoken advocate for the change in location for the pedestrian crossing and said this announcement was exciting.

"It is definitely cause for celebration," Mr Hunt said.

"When I found out work is supposed to begin on the pedestrian crossing I was delighted. The fact that the location was moved is a real indication that if people speak up change can happen.

"When we first voiced our opposition council was quite dismissive of our concerns but I am so glad they changed their minds.

"It is wonderful to know that council listened to the people and have changed the location of the crossing to better reflect the needs of the community.

"The changed location is much better suited to the pedestrian traffic and I am looking forward to seeing the work commence."

The project is funded through a NSW State Government Stronger Country Communities Fund.

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