A BLIND woman who is campaigning for a pedestrian crossing near her home says her life is at risk every time she tries to cross a busy main road.

Doreen Higson, aged 69, has struggled to cross Belmont Road, Astley Bridge, for years and began her campaign for a crossing four years ago, with the support of local councillors.

But her cries for help have, so far, been unheeded.

Mrs Higson has to cross the road to visit her daughter and granddaughter, who live on its opposite side.

She now relies on her granddaughter to meet her and guide her across.

Mrs Higson said: "There are five roads that meet there and the cars just don't stop at the zebra crossing.

"A pelican crossing would be ideal, not just for me but for parents with children, because there are two schools nearby.

"There used to be a lollipop man on the crossing but he quit, saying it was too dangerous.

"It is busy near the top of the road, because it is the main route to the motorway, and the bottom is very busy too -- and there is still no crossing.

"I've got to ask people in the street to cross the road with me, and that's not fair to them.

"Even if the council has said no this time, I will keep going because something has to be done. It's far too dangerous."

Councillor Stuart Lever said: "We have been campaigning for a crossing or a roundabout there for about three years, but Mrs Higson might have a bit more luck than us."

Bolton Council has recorded six accidents in the last three years, with two involving pedestrians.

Jeff Layer, the council's assistant director of highways and engineering, said: "Belmont Road is not a proven accident blackspot by any means. In carrying out safety schemes, the council is obliged to tackle to worst areas first.

"That's not to say we don't recognise there are some problems there. But we have finite resources, and under Government rules we are required to tackle those locations which have worse accident records.

"We are in the process of drawing up a highway improvement scheme on Belmont Road for the next financial year, which will help control the speed of vehicles."

"That road has had a spate of accidents and is a pedestrian blackspot.

"There are five roads join at that point and it makes it difficult to cross.