PEDESTRIANS and motorists have called for urgent action to improve safety on a busy town centre road.

The issue of pedestrians crossing at the corner of Duke Street and Cornwallis Street in Barrow was raised after an elderly lady was knocked down on Monday.

The 89-year-old Walney woman was taken to Furness General Hospital where her injuries were described as not life-threatening.

In December 2014, 82-year-old Robert Nightingale died after being hit by a car at the same location. The driver was found not guilty of causing death by careless driving.

In a poll published online, 77 per cent of Evening Mail readers who voted said something needed to be done to improve the road's safety.

While many suggested the reason for the near misses is down to pedestrians failing to use the crossing round the corner in Duke Street, others said a more proactive approach is necessary. Some have said Duke Street in front of the town hall should be reverted back to a road to allow buses to drop passengers off in a safer place.

Martyn Teijlingen-Bell said in a post on the Evening Mail's Facebook page: "What it needs is a study of people's crossing habits then adapt the road to suit. It's a very busy corner and one thing that won't change is the way people cross.

"Possibly a large signal-controlled pedestrian area with lights that motorists can see from both directions."

Sergeant Rupert Anderson, who is responsible for looking at long-term community issues, said police would raise the issue with the necessary authorities and called on pedestrians to take care when crossing the road.

"There have been a number of incidents there; this isn't the first accident," Sgt Anderson said.

"Pedestrians need to be mindful of where they cross and to utilise the formal crossings for their safety.

"We are looking at working with highways and this is something we will raise with them."

In response to the public debate, the issue is set to be discussed at the next meeting of Cumbria County Council's local committee on September 23.

Committee chairman, Councillor Kevin Hamilton, said a number of options would be available, including asking bus operator Stagecoach to consider moving the bus stops further down Cornwallis Street.

He added: "I see people getting off the buses there and crossing the road, and if people are concerned about it then we need to discuss it."

A Cumbria County Council spokesperson said: "The current crossing point is located at a position as close to the current bus stops as is allowable given available space and visibility.

"Placing pedestrian guard railings along Duke Street and Cornwallis Street would require sufficient gaps to be left to allow the use of the bus stops, and would therefore be open to people crossing in between and potentially getting trapped between the railings and the road.

"The safest way to cross the road in this location is by using the crossing on Duke Street. As for a new Bus Terminus we are happy to explore possibilities with our partners. The current location is close to the town centre and Town Hall and provides good access for passengers."

The Evening Mail approached Stagecoach for a comment on the issue but the firm didn't comment before the Evening Mail went to press.