Campaigners pushing to bring formal crossings back to Hackbridge can lend their support to a new petition set up this week.

Creator Riaz Hossenbux, 40, of Longfield Avenue, said he decided to take action to show the strength of opposition against the £1.4m design, he feels is unsafe and drives people from the area.

Mr Hossenbux said: "The petition has been set up to bring formal crossings to Hackbridge.

"The Heart of Hackbridge scheme has brought some much needed improvements to the area but now residents' safety has been put at risk.

"For most people it might not be such a big thing, for many others, the elderly, the young, the visually impaired for example it's not safe.

"Its proving very difficult for many residents to cross the roads safely."

The petition to be presented to MP Tom Brake, chief executive of Sutton Council Niall Bolger and strategic director environment and neighbourhoods Mary Morrissey, says new road layout have made the area "more dangerous for pedestrians and drivers".

It says children travelling to school, the elderly, disabled and visually impaired are now more vulnerable with no formal crossings to help them across the roads safely. The petition, with 259 signatures at the time of going to press, has already garnered enough support for it to be debated at local committee.

The next target is 1,500 signatures which would mean bringing back formal crossings to Hackbridge, under Sutton Council's own standing orders, would be discussed at full council.

Opposition to the new lay out has already seen Sutton Council agree to install a full mini-roundabout, as opposed to the experimental roundel and erect more signs to inform drivers to take care.

A road crossing officer, originally employed on a temporary contract during the early summer, will also be retained to ensure children can cross safely during school opening and closing hours.

To view the petition visit www.tinyurl.com/hackbridge.