Getting cross

By Lia Bichel and Lilly O’Gorman
FRUSTRATED Dandenong residents are urging the council to implement pedestrian crossings in neighbouring streets after their requests to re-open Herbert Street were denied.
The petition, signed by 80 residents and 54 proponents, was lodged at Monday night’s council meeting.
It objects to the road closure at Herbert Street and suggesting a manned pedestrian crossing or pedestrian overpass as an alternative.
It follows an earlier petition lodged in July signed by about 600 people opposing the closure.
The closure was part of a six-month trial to allow safe access across Herbert Street between the existing Dandenong High School and the new Cleeland Secondary College campus, both part of the newly amalgamated Dandenong High School.
Herbert Street resident Linda Meurs said it was a major inconvenience to residents and created safety issues. She said residents wanted to send a clear message to the City of Greater Dandenong Council.
“We feel we weren’t being heard, but I think we are sending a loud message. Council has rail-roaded us really,” she said.
Ms Meurs said bus services in Herbert Street had stopped, and she worried about the elderly people who depend on public transportation. She said they now had to walk to neighbouring streets to catch the bus.
She said she was also concerned about students at nearby primary schools and thought extra pedestrian crossings would help ensure their safety.
“Traffic is now being directed down Cleeland and David streets, passing a primary school.
“It’s posing a threat to students crossing the road. I am worried something is going to happen.”
In July, City of Greater Dandenong councillor Angela Long also argued against the closure at saying that council should listen to residents.
She also suggested implementing extra crossings.
“I strongly object to the closure,” she said at a council meeting in July.
“Why can’t we have a manned pedestrian crossing or pedestrian overpass instead?”
Cr Long was unavailable for further comment.