Residents have overwhelmingly welcomed the news a zebra crossing is finally set to be installed near a busy Elmdon junction.

And a Local Democracy Reporting Service report saw why the crossing is badly needed after watching pedestrians struggling to cross Old Lode Lane.

As the LDRS recently reported five new zebra crossings have been given approval after more than £400,000 was allocated by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC).

Among the schemes is one for Old Lode Lane, which is getting a crossing near to the junction with Mayswood Road and Merevale Road.

When we visited on a Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm we saw pedestrians including mums with prams having difficulty crossing due to a near constant stream of traffic.

At 3pm, for a five minute period, we counted more than 50 cars, cyclists and buses pass through the junction and coming from all directions.

Astonishingly it was obvious some weren't following the 30mph speed limit of the road despite it following a 20mph zone and there being bus stops in the area.

An Old Lode Lane resident said: "The amount of accidents that have happened here over the years because they come haring around the corner (at the junction) and can't see.

"It is really needed."

Another said: "It's been on the cards for a long time.

"You try to cross the road, at certain times of the day – you could be standing there for 10 minutes.

"You have got school kids and pensioners trying to cross."

A neighbour said: "This is a very busy road.

"I've got a baby – when I cross you have loads of traffic coming from all directions.

"They fly down here, it would be good to slow them down. I'm welcoming it."

A neighbour added: "We need it, there are children around here (walking to and from school).

"We are happy it's finally happening."

Elmdon councillor Laura McCarthy was involved in the campaign for the crossing.

"We did the petition recently," she told the LDRS.

"Just under 300 people signed – people have been calling it for it for ages. It is great news.

"It is definitely needed around there – it is not safe to cross."

At the recent meeting Councillor Ken Hawkins also approved cash for crossings in:

• Damson Lane near to Coppice Road – new raised zebra crossing
• Kineton Green Lane near to Gunns Way – new raised zebra crossing
• Moordown Avenue near to Brackleys Way – new zebra Crossing
• Widney Lane near to Clifton Road – raised hump at existing zebra crossing

It was noted the crossings are subject to final design and costing, but officers added it would "improve safety for pedestrians using the public highway and ensure SMBC utilise their full allocation of this (Local Network Improvement Plan) funding".