A NEW pedestrian crossing is to be installed at a notorious stretch of the A78.

Safety work will be carried out on the busy route just as it enters Skelmorlie.

A councillor pushed along with concerned residents to get the new crossing installed in the middle of the village.

Cllr Ian Murdoch says he is 'delighted' that it is due to arrive by the spring.

It is one of three new pedestrian crossings lined up for the trunk road, with the others further south along the coastal route.

Mr Murdoch said: "I am delighted that we have managed to get a new crossing in Skelmorlie.

"It is something that people have been looking to have installed for many years - and it is much needed.

"It will have a positive impact on pedestrian safety in the area, where people come down from the old Hydro steps.

"It is also at close proximity to the turning point near Longhill.

"There are two bus stops on either side of the road and people regularly cross to access both.

"The crossing is near a sandwich shop and a busy Chinese takeaway, so I think it is a sensible place to have it and it will help with traffic calming."

A safety audit is now being carried out by Amey, who are the road maintenance operators.

Councillor Murdoch added: "It is a very busy area and I am glad that this important safety measure will be coming soon.

"A lot of people like to cross the road to access the shoreline and this will allow them to do so safely.

"It is a big boost for the village and there will be appropriate signage also put in place to alert motorists ahead of its introduction."

Cllr Murdoch says he would like to see further traffic calming measures in the village.

He added: "I feel additional steps are necessary on the Shore Road near the flats at Shuma Court, and the former Redcliff.

"There are still concerns over speeding in those areas.

"I will be pressing for more measures but in the first instance, the new crossing is very good news."