Campaigners have hailed Sutton Council’s decision to make changes to Hackbridge Junction “a victory for common sense” ahead of planned works to improve the controversial road layout.

Following a year of campaign pressure, Sutton Council accepted changes to the Heart of Hackbridge would have to be made after an independent safety audit recommended a series of alterations, particularly to the six informal crossings that have come in for heavy criticism.

Hackbridge’s redesign last year saw the removal of two zebra crossings, the widening of footways and the installation of benches and trees.

The £1.4m scheme was overseen by the Hackbridge Delivery Board, made up of Bioregional, the GLA, Sutton Council, the Hackbridge and Beddington Corner Neighbourhood Planning Group, various local businesses and residents.

Changes include reinstating controlled crossings, such as zebra or push button, in key locations, and the removal of the informal crossing closest to the junction in London Road.

A drainage investigation will be carried out to resolve poor drainage between London Road and Mile Road.

Tracey Collins, a Hackbridge resident and road safety campaigner, said: “The report took a long time to come to light, but now that it has I am pleased that Sutton Council has taken the right course of action. “We welcome the recommendations in the report, but I would like to see the lollipop person remain at Hackbridge indefinitely.

“He really is part of the community and does such an important job.”

She also said that at least two controlled crossings would be appreciated in the new layout.

Michael Parsons, resident, guide dog user and vice- chairman of Sutton Vision, said: “We applaud Sutton Council for undertaking the audits, that have shown the need for reinstatement of controlled crossings. “We look forward to working with the council to achieve this. A victory for common sense.”

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chairwoman of the environment and neighbourhood committee, said: “The independent surveys have told us that, while 83 per cent of those surveyed believe the Heart of Hackbridge scheme has improved their perception of the area, some of the changes to the road layout have led to concerns, particularly because of a lack of controlled crossings.

“We are going to fix that by following the recommendations of the surveys, as well as bringing in other measures, including consulting on putting in a 20mph zone and also extending the use of a lollipop person outside the school until Christmas while the changes bed in.”

Sutton Council is yet to give specific dates on when the work will take place.