VILLAGERS are celebrating the completion of a new pedestrian crossing after they stumped up some of the cash to pay for it.

Buckinghamshire County Council had refused to install a crossing on the A4128 Link Road, between the library and Abbeyfield House Residential Home, in Great Missenden, saying they did not have the money.

Residents raised the £7,500 needed for a traffic island to help them cross the road themselves but were delighted when the council then agreed to install a zebra crossing instead, at a cost of £45,000.

Jessie Leighton, chairman of the Great Missenden Society, had contacted societies, businesses and organisations in the village to get them to pledge the money which went towards the new scheme.

Mrs Leighton said: "We decided we wanted the crossing there and, as the chairman, I pursued it."

Society member Major John Wilson said he was very pleased with the crossing and paid tribute to Mrs Leighton, saying she was "the driving force" behind getting the money.

A list of the names who pledged money has been put up on the village notice board as a way of thanks.

The crossing forms part of a project to improve Link Road, including upgrading of the street lighting, improved footways and new footways. The 30mph speed limit has been extended to cover almost the entire length of the road, trees have been trimmed back and the road will be resurfaced in February. Skid-resistant surfacing, in a contrasting colour to the main carriageway, will be installed next summer.