ANGER has erupted in a village after an objection was raised to plans for a pelican crossing.

Kirklees Council was studying the possibility of having a pelican crossing on the busy A635 Barnsley Road at Upper Cumberworth.

The road carries traffic from Huddersfield through the village en route to the M1.

Campaigners last year submitted a 500-signature petition for a crossing.

They said it was urgently needed, as many cars drove too fast down the road and children heading to the school and pensioners going to the post office struggled to cross.

However, when the council sent out public notices last month to advertise the proposal for a crossing, a lone objection was lodged.

This means plans for a crossing must now be referred to the council's Cabinet committee in November.

The objector, who cannot be named, is worried that the proposed crossing site is too near a bus stop and a crossroads.

The person is also worried that the speed of traffic at the proposed site is too great.

Protesters feel that if the objection had not been lodged, work could have started next month.

Julie Devenport, of Park Lane, was one of the villagers who collected names for the petition. She said: "It's ridiculous. I'd hate to think a child could be hurt or killed while this drags on."

And Freda Tinsley, of Wakefield Road,

said: "Just because of one person's objection hundreds of other people are being denied a crossing to protect ourselves and our children."

A Kirklees spokeswoman said it was policy to refer a matter to the appropriate committee if there was an objection.

She added that no decision to approve a crossing had been made. Also, work was due to start within the financial year - not necessarily within a month.

Related stories and messageboards