RESIDENTS living in Morriston are to have a new zebra crossing — and it is all down to people power, says a crossing campaigner.

Ivor Sloane, of Heol y Deri, Cwmrhydyceirw, organised a petition as he felt people's safety was being put at risk in Chemical Road.

Around 120 residents signed the petition in favour of a crossing between the Costcutter store and Cwmrhydyceirw Post Office at the end of the road.

Mr Sloane, aged 55, who is registered blind, blamed the city's controversial bendy bus for increasing the traffic on the road.

He said: "With the new Metro bus, the follow-on traffic behind it is building up.

"The road was widened and cars try to pass the bus at fast speeds.

"It is a very busy road and I thought a crossing was needed before somebody was seriously hurt.

"The older generation was finding it difficult to cross the road to go to the post office."

The problem has been a concern in the area for more than seven years.

Residents were also worried that the situation could get even more dangerous when Cwmrhydyceirw Quarry opened.

Mr Sloane said: "With the quarry due to open there will be more lorries passing every day and the problem is going to get even worse."

The petition was handed in to Swansea Council and a site meeting was held.

Councillors agreed to fund the crossing in February, although it will take about a year to be operational.

Mr Sloane said it had been a long process but community spirit won through in the end.

The grandfather-of-two said: "I am delighted that we are going to get a crossing. It is very much needed and it will be well used by the residents of Morriston.

"The councillors in Morriston have been very supportive.

"This is the people's crossing and it shows that if we pull together as a community we can achieve results."

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk