A campaigner has renewed calls for a pedestrian crossing outside a community park, stating that residents are putting their lives at risk. Wendie Tilt presented a petition signed by approximately 400 Shirley residents at the latest meeting of Solihull Council.
Addressing councillors, the campaigner said: “I have been a resident of Shirley West since 1990 as a parent, grandparent and working with community groups. The petition calls for a pedestrian crossing across Hurdis Road between the entrance to Shirley Park and the gully between the houses that leads to Burman Infant School in Velsheda Road.
“The entrance is used daily by some of our most vulnerable residents – young children, parents with pushchairs, toddlers holding hands, elderly residents who have lived in Shirley West for decades. Residents need to have safe, accessible routes to community facilities.”
Ms Tilt highlighted that this was not the first time they had raised the need for action at the location, which currently only has a speed bump. “Over the years a number of petitions have been signed and submitted but always turned down,” she said. “On May 9, 2025, the unthinkable happened – a serious accident occurred at this location. Our community is very shaken.
“What was the response from this council? Silence, inaction, nothing. How can you look residents in the eye and tell them their safety doesn’t matter? I would like this council to please think about what they are really saying when they reject petitions like this. There are no pedestrian crossings in this location, residents are forced to navigate busy traffic, dangerous road conditions, take unnecessary risks. We are presenting the petition again because we refuse to accept the answer no.”
Councillor Ken Hawkins, the authority’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure, responded: “I know the road very well. I use it regularly and understand the issues involved. Budget constraints will not outweigh residents’ safety, but we do have to prioritise. Hurdis Road hasn’t been prioritised this year, it hasn’t before. But I’m advised (by council officers) from the three previous petitions in the last few years, the site assessment has found visibility has been adequate. Officers will revisit the site and have a look what can be done.”
The campaigner’s deputation was made at the meeting held at the Civic Suite on April 14.
