PLANS to install new pedestrian crossings on a busy road in Renfrew have been welcomed by councillors.

Following a road safety assessment, controlled signal crossing points are to be placed on Sandy Road, at the junctions with Broadloan, Haining Road and Newmains Road.

It is hoped that work to install the new crossings will start early next year.

Councillor Jane Strang, who represents Renfrew North and Braehead, said she hopes the measures will bring “peace of mind” to local residents.

The Conservative representative told The Gazette: “This is a significant step forward by Renfrewshire Council. I’ve been campaigning for improved road safety measures in this area of Renfrew since I was elected in 2017.

“Residents are at their wits’ end and it was truly shocking that a young girl was struck by a car when walking back from Renfrew High School last year.

“This is an area used by pupils as well as many disabled people and it simply isn’t safe enough for them.

“I will be pushing for the council to get on site as quickly as possible in order to finally bring about improvements in Haining Road and nearby.”

Councillor Jim Paterson, who represents Renfrew South and Gallowhill, said he is “delighted” that safety measures will be put in place at the junctions following cross-party requests to the council’s roads department.

The SNP man added: “It is worth noting that these improvements are only possible due the 2020/21 SNP administration budget, at which a significant funding commitment was made to improve road safety across Renfrewshire.”

Councillor Cathy McEwan, convener of Renfrewshire’s infrastructure, land and environment policy board, said: “In addition to our capital investment and as a result of funding between the council and SPT [Strathclyde Partnership for Transport], there will now be a further £560,000 to address concerns of road safety and speeding at or around schools, nurseries and key junctions in towns and villages.”