Elderly residents at Greenfields Later Living Complex in Leighton Buzzard say trying to cross the road outside their homes is an accident waiting to happen.

Vulnerable residents claim it’s dangerous trying to navigate busy traffic on Theedway to get to the shops or catch a bus and are calling for urgent action.

A formal request for a zebra crossing was first submitted to housing developers Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes, and Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) in August, following growing concerns among residents about the daily hazards of crossing Theedway.

But residents say they have now hit a brick wall amid a bureaucratic stalemate between the housing developers and the council.

Residents are demanding a zebra crossing is installed outside their homes at Greenfields Later Living Complex

placeholder image — Residents are demanding a zebra crossing is installed outside their homes at Greenfields Later Living Complex

Central Beds Council explained the road is on unadopted private land so is not directly responsible while the developers point out there is already a signal-crossing close to the complex.

Mr Irvin Grayson, a spokesperson for the residents, said: "We shouldn’t have to wait for an avoidable accident to happen before someone takes ownership.

"We are an older community, many of us live with reduced mobility or physical impairments.

"We are fully aware of the signalised crossing at the junction of Billington Road and Theedway,” he explained.

Residents say it’s dangerous trying to navigate busy traffic on Theedway to get to the shops or catch a bus

“However, expecting frail, elderly, or mobility-impaired residents to walk roughly 200 yards down to the junction traffic lights and then another 200 yards back just to access the local shop and bus stop directly opposite our main entrance is completely impractical and physically restrictive.

"For someone relying on a walking frame, a stick, or managing severe breathlessness, an unnecessary 400-yard round trip is a major physical barrier that restricts their daily independence and forces people to take risks crossing directly outside Greenfields.

"We are simply trying to maintain our independence. In any commercial car park, you see disabled parking spaces right by the door, why is providing a safe crossing outside an elderly living complex treated as an impossible demand?"

A spokesperson for Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Theedway remains an unadopted road and there is currently no Section 38 Agreement in place. Our Agreements Team has recently met with the developers involved and is reviewing information needed to progress the road adoption process. The road forms part of a joint agreement involving more than one developer.

Many of residents are elderly and frail and feel anxious about crossing the road

"The council is not aware of any commitment for a zebra crossing to be installed outside Greenfields Later Living complex and it does not form part of the approved highway design for the development. As the road remains privately owned, any proposal for additional highway features would currently be a matter for the developers.

"We will continue to work with the developers on the information required to move the adoption process forward.”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes, said: “We take residents’ concerns and safety very seriously. The existing signal-controlled crossing on Theedway, close to Greenfields, was built as part of the highway arrangements approved in 2011 and has been in place for a number of years.

“We’re continuing to work with Central Bedfordshire to progress adoption of the road, including a final road safety audit as a part of the normal adoption process.”

Greenfields Extra Care/Independent Living development opened in 2023, featuring 82 apartments for people aged 55 and over.