A pedestrian crossing will be put in place in one of the busiest streets in Soham – despite objections from three members of the public.

The installation of the crossing close to Wetheralls Primary School on Pratt Street will go ahead despite concerns from residents that it would encourage people to congregate around the crossing during peak times and a lack of parking.

One objector raised concerns that flashing beacons would keep their child from sleeping, and also said that the crossing would encourage people to gather around their home.

They went on to suggest they may have looked elsewhere before buying their house if they were made aware of the plans before moving and that having a crossing outside their home could devalue it.

Another questioned the necessity of the crossing, saying the crossing point is “not heavily used outside of school opening and closing times,” while another highlighted that an extension of the no-parking zones around the area would have serious impact on their neighbours.

Richard Lunley, the county council’s head of highways service reassured objectors that shrouds would be fitted on the lights to prevent beacons flashing into their homes.

He said that the location of the crossing, suggested by Soham Town Council, was done so in keeping with residents’ wishes.

Calls for the crossing were first made two years ago by town councillor Geoffrey Woollard, who said he was “amazed” that a crossing hadn’t been considered before.