A LONG-TIME New Beith resident has raised safety concerns about the layout of a new council footpath being built on Equestrian Drive.
Les D'Elton said pedestrians were in danger of being hit by cars because of the path's set up, which would see people have to cross a 60km/h road twice.
He estimated eight out of 10 cars would speed down the road, including many at well above the limit.
"It is the most dangerous section of road," he said.
"It is okay for the council to say the speed limit there is only 60km/h, but on numerous occasions people have received infringement notices showing they were way in excess of that.
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"With the crest of the hill the way it is, if a ute was to come along doing 80km/h or 90km/h, there is no way in the world they could possibly stop in time.
"We've had trees knocked down at the front of our place, we've had traffic signs knocked down, and they are trying to tell me it's safe."
Mr D'Elton said he was not against the project but believed the path should be built on one side of the road so pedestrians would not be forced to cross in front of traffic.
"Can you put a price on a life?" he said. "I don't believe you can. There are safety issues here that just aren't being looked at.
"If they are going to spend the amount of money they are on this project, surely to god they could find a little bit of extra money to put the path on one side of the road. It would be a lot safer."
Council has recently cleared vegetation next to the bridge near Tea Tree Waterhole Park along Equestrian Drive and is investigating continuing the footpath along the even numbered side of the road.
Initial project plans had been to put in crossings on either side of the bridge and funnel pedestrians to the other side of the road to avoid the vegetation.
"Minor additional works may be carried out if this route is selected (but) the bridge will not be removed," a council spokeswoman said.
Cr Natalie Willcocks said she too had pushed for the path to be built on one side and had called for traffic islands and crossings to be put in.
"Because they have got so many complaints they (council) are actually reviewing it again and hopefully they will put in the path on the side of the bridge so it stays on the one side," she said.
Mr D'Elton said of particular concern were people in wheelchairs, elderly on scooters and school children.
"We trust that they (council) have done their due diligence in making it safe for us," he said. "If something goes wrong who is responsible?"
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