By Eve Noon

TWO SCHOOLGIRLS who organised a petition calling for road safety measures to be installed on a busy Dundee road have been praised after it was confirmed the initial steps will get under way this month.

Menzieshill High School pupils Melissa McKay and Shannon O’Neill (both 12) organised the petition after their friend was seriously injured in a collision with a car when crossing the road in September.

The two girls collected just under 200 signatures in support of a crossing being put in place near the Tesco supermarket where their friend, Caitlin Merchant, who is now fully recovered, was injured.

In December, the girls were invited to the City Chambers where they presented the petition to Lord Provost John Letford.

On receiving the petition, Mr Letford said Tesco had applied for permission to extend the store, which had given the council a chance to address the situation.

A condition of consent before the store could expand was that road safety measures were installed.

Mr Letford said, “Chicanes were put in place but it still wasn’t safe enough, so when the girls came on the scene and pushed for more safety measures it made all the difference.

“I was well aware of the situation and the danger of trying to cross the road. I know a lot of people, including the elderly, wheelchair users and children, who cross the road regularly so it will be very welcome.

“The measures are going to be put in place at the busiest part.”

He went on to say how happy he was for the schoolgirls. “I am obviously absolutely delighted that the traffic calming measures are being introduced.

“There is the safety aspect but I am also really pleased for the kids, Melissa and Shannon, who arranged the petition. They put a lot of hard work into it and it was a great pleasure to meet the girls and receive the petition personally.

“It just shows how influential the youngsters can be; they were the ones having to take the risks crossing the road and they are the ones who got out there and got the supporters. It’s great news.

“The council requested a pedestrian crossing with additional traffic lights, so I look forward to the measures being put in place,” he added.

Last night, Shannon’s mother, Darlene Hendry, spoke about how proud she was that something was being done following the girls’ efforts.

“I’m just so proud that something is finally being done because Shannon always asks whether there has been any letters or response about the crossing being built.

“I’m so happy that Tesco are now actually getting started on creating a safe crossing because my son is still at Charleston Primary and he is getting to the age where he will soon be wanting to go the shops at lunchtime.”

The main customer access to the store will be from the present service access and will be upgraded with traffic lights.

The company has also agreed to make a financial contribution towards the upgrading of the Myrekirk Road/Kingsway junction.

Tesco this week confirmed its plans to fully redevelop and expand its South Road store, which is to close from March 30 while it is rebuilt and is expected to reopen early in 2009.

Tesco corporate affairs manager Douglas Wilson said, “We are delighted to be able to respond to local concerns by providing improved access to the store.”