CAMPAIGNERS calling for a crossing in Weirs Lane have hailed a victory after two decades of campaigning.

County council cabinet member for transport Rodney Rose approved plans for a zebra crossing in the area on Thursday.

The £16,000 scheme will be paid for out of the personal highways budgets of councillors John Tanner and Chip Sherwood.

Fox Crescent resident Lilian Sherwood, 63, was overjoyed by the news.

The grandmother said: “My reaction is wow, at last it’s finally going to happen.

“It’s going to help so many people, and it’s not just about crossing the road.

“For the children going to St Luke’s to the elderly people, this will reunite the community here.”

Over the years campaigners said the crossing was needed because of the speed of traffic on the road, a key link between south and east Oxford.

The Rev Jane Sherwood, vicar of St Luke’s Church, said: “It’s great news, particularly for children who cross the road to take part in some of our weekday groups.”

Mr Tanner said: “I’m very pleased. “At long last, it looks as though 2013 is going to be the year that local people can cross Weirs Lane in safety.

“This has been going on for 20 years. “Weirs Lane divides a community in two and there isn’t currently a safe place to cross. “It’s particularly dangerous for elderly people and children.”

Summing up his decision, Mr Rose said: “I think it’s self-explanitory and I know a lot about this case already, so I’m happy for the recommendations to go forward.”

During a consultation on the plans, several letters of support from residents were received, and only one objection.

A council report said: “One objection was received from the occupiers of a property close to the proposed crossing on the grounds that it would aggravate traffic congestion and noise, and adversely affect the value of properties.

“The letter of objection included the suggestion that the crossing should be provided further east on the part of the road where there were no frontage properties.”

But the council report dismissed the concerns, saying: “As zebra and pelican crossings are routinely provided on residential roads with similar levels of traffic with no obvious adverse effects, it is not anticipated that the proposed crossing would result in the problems stated in the objection. A crossing further east would be much less convenient for the majority of the pedestrians for whom the crossing is intended to serve.”

Work is expected to start later this year.