AN equestrienne is campaigning for a safe crossing for horses at Slade Cross, near Cosheston, as road improvement work there continues.

Rose Ennik, of West Haven, Cosheston, has collected 220 signatures against the plan for a staggered crossing, which will result in horses having to make their way across two stretches of the A477.

Ms Ennik said: "Crossing with a horse at Slade was previously possible due to the narrowness of the road and the junctions being directly opposite.

"With the new layout, horse riders will need to negotiate traffic on either side of the crossing, and a central waiting area capable of boxing horses in between two lanes of fast moving, commercial traffic."

She said many parents are worried about their children using the new crossing. A Welsh Assembly spokesman said they consulted with various bodies during the development of this scheme, including British Horse Society representatives.

Nick Ainger, Welsh Office junior minister, said he plans to arrange a site meeting with representatives of the Welsh Assembly, British Horse Society and other relevant parties to discuss the matter and look at the risks involved.