Greenford roundabout could be made safer with the introduction of a surface level pedestrian crossing.

Members of Ealing Council’s scrutiny panel said they support the idea of an overground route, and would go ahead with plans should they receive funding, at their transport meeting last Tuesday (December 3).

Concern regarding the safety of the roundabout has been a regular item for discussion at ward forums in the past few years.

The pedestrian and cycle paths in the underpass are reportedly rarely used, following the death of a man in suspicious circumstances there in March 2009, and public pressure to improve the crossing has increased.

Since the William Perkin school opened in Oldfield Lane North last September, adding to the number of schools in the residential area, the demand for a secure method of getting around this busy area has grown further.

Greenford Green councillor, Will Brooks, said on Twitter: “Really pleased that scrutiny supports the introduction of a surface level pedestrian crossing for #greenford roundabout.”

The councillor said that Tuesday’s meeting looked at a number of strategic roundabouts in the borough including Target, White Hart and Hanger Lane, reviewing usage figures and discussing possible improvements.

He said: “We are still at really early stages.

“We are waiting to see if we can get the funding for Greenford roundabout and if we can we will go ahead with the crossing. It is a really good idea.

“It would be in the next financial year that we’d get the money if successful, and then we would look to start the developments.”

Funding is being sought from TfL, which is responsible for the A40 above Greenford roundabout and the slip roads, but Ealing Council would also contribute to the amount needed.

Frank Kilduff, chairman of North Greenford Residents’ Association, said that people are uneasy about the underpasses at the roundabout.

He said that even though CCTV has been installed, many still try to cross on the surface and he has seen people trying to negotiate fast moving traffic.

Mr Kilduff added: “I’m pleased to see a crossing is back on the table – we have certainly been waiting long enough and now it looks like we will be seeing progress.

“There were zebra crossings back in the 1960s before the flyover was built, so hopefully it will go back to how it was.

“As far as the local community is concerned, a crossing is needed as soon as possible.”