We petition the council to take urgent action to improve the safety of children and other pedestrians on Hitchin Road.

We’re particularly concerned about toddlers and pre-schoolers going to and from Blooming Wild nursery every day.

Since the exit of Concorde Street into Hitchin Road was blocked in the summer, the only walking route to the nursery is up a narrow pavement from York Street or down an overgrown pavement from Charles Street.

There is no pedestrian crossing close to the nursery giving access to the Hitchin Road car park.

In September a car overturned and crushed the guardrail outside the nursery, and a car collided with a house on the corner of Charles Street.

In autumn and winter the pavements will be slippery and visibility for drivers is worse in low light and bad weather.

These conditions are dangerous for small children and parents with buggies. The problems also affect all pedestrians using Hitchin Road and its bus stops, car park, and services such as the Luton Irish Forum.

We urge the council to urgently consider suitable action to reduce these risks, such as permanent traffic calming measures, a pedestrian crossing from the Hitchin Road car park, installing guardrails for pedestrians, and keeping overgrown pavements permanently clear.