A ZEBRA crossing has finally been built in Cowley nearly a decade after it was promised.

The crossing, close to the Motorist Discount Centre in Oxford Road, was planned when flats were approved on a former builder’s yard near Clive Road in 2002.

But Oxfordshire County Council only got the £5,576 from developer Wyatt Bros (Oxford) Ltd to carry out the work last autumn.

Since 2003 there have been two serious accidents and eight minor accidents on that stretch of road.

One minor accident involved a pedestrian.

Arthur Davis, treasurer of the Old Temple Cowley Residents’ Association, said despite the wait, the crossing had been built in the nick of time because of impending roadworks.The Iffley Road work, which starts on May 9, will see temporary traffic lights between The Plain and Henley Street, for 40 weeks.

The road will be closed completely between The Plain and Circus Street for up to four weeks in August.

Mr Davis said: “When the Iffley Road roadworks start more people will use Cowley Road as an alternative.”

He said the road had got increasingly busier over the years as more houses were built at Greater Leys.

He said: “This is a tricky stretch to cross.

“Before this, there was no crossing between Marsh Road and the junction at Between Towns Road.”

Labour county councillor for East Oxford Saj Malik said the crossing had taken far too long to complete.

He added: “It’s brilliant news but residents have waited a long time for this.

“It improves road safety and this stretch needs it badly.”

Earlier this year the council said it had been waiting for money towards the zebra crossing from Wyatt Bros, the developer which built flats on land opposite Clive Road. The cash was given under Section 106 legislation, designed to allow councils to demand developers contribute to roads and facilities in return for being given planning permission.

The council received the cash in the autumn and work began in January.

Wyatt Bros told the Oxford Mail payment had been delayed by negotiations over how much it should pay.

Council spokesman Owen Morton said: “This should make crossing the road at this location safer for all pedestrians.

“Although it has taken some time, we hope local residents are pleased with the results.”