Residents will tomorrow (December 16) present a petition to Warwickshire County Council (WCC) calling for safety to be improved around a new Kenilworth housing estate.

Over 1,000 people have now signed the public plea for a pedestrian crossing and a reduced speed limit around Kenilworth Gate on Leamington Road.

Campaigners will now head to Shire Hall on Tuesday to call on the local authority to take steps to improve the busy road, over four years after planning permission was first granted for the development.

The group said to Nub News in a statement: "We have a fast, busy road used by children, families and elderly residents, yet simply no safe way to cross it.

"Hundreds more families are moving in.

"All we're asking for is action now, rather than waiting for a preventable accident."

Launched in October, the petition comes after months of criticism from local councillors who have raised concerns that there is currently no walkway to the major new housing development across the A452.

Kenilworth Gate locals said they are "desperate" for the speed limit to be made 30mph and for a safe crossing to be installed.

The town's MP has also backed the petition.

"' have discussed this problem with local residents and I commend them on the work they have done to raise it," Sir Jeremy Wright said Nub News.

"Crossing the road at that location needs to be made safer and I will do all I can to help."

Planning permission for the Kenilworth Gate housing estate was approved in 2021 (image supplied)

"This junction at Kenilworth Gate is a key route for families, schoolchildren, elderly residents, and commuters," the petition said.

"The absence of a safe crossing and the current speed limit pose serious risks to pedestrians and cyclists.

"Many residents have reported near misses and difficulty crossing safely, especially during peak hours."

Planning permission for the Kenilworth Gate housing estate was approved in 2021. The development will eventually see 550 homes, a community centre, two primary schools and a major piece of employment land built.

Locals have also asked for a new bus stop built on Leamington Road close to the Thickthorn roundabout.