A wheelchair user called on community leaders to support a new zebra crossing to help people navigate a busy Suffolk road and access bus services.

Kevin Curtis warned Kesgrave Town Council that an accident could happen unless a proper crossing was introduced on the A1214, near the Cambridge Road junction.

Speaking at the council’s meeting on Monday evening, he said: “I know that when I had my accident when I was 17-years-old, if there had been the right safety measures I would not be sitting in a wheelchair today.

“I really feel that if we have a zebra crossing, it’s a safe way to help people get across the road and we would not be looking at another accident.”

Suffolk County Council’s current crossing proposals for the site include a dropped curb but would not give priority to pedestrians.

Sue Hall, who has worked with Mr Curtis on a traffic survey, said that without priority to cross pedestrians were left waiting for traffic.

“You can be trying to cross the road to get to the bus stop but no one can see you – it’s soul destroying,” she added.

An 86-year-old member of the public also said it was “very difficult” to cross.

“At times I just wait and wait for the traffic,” he added.

“And as far as the 30mph limit, well it just seems to be ignored.”

A representative from Kiln Nursery, which is next to the proposed site, also backed plans for a better crossing, saying it would encourage more people to walk than drive.

Robert Whiting and Christopher Hudson, the town’s county councillors, said they would fund two-thirds of the cost of the current proposals, with the town council covering the remainder.

However Mr Whiting added that there were regulations governing more ambitious crossings that might be difficult to satisfy.

“While there’s aspiration and desire to do it, the technological requirements are difficult,” he added.

“I’m not sure a pelican crossing or zebra crossing will be technically viable. But there are things that we could collectively explore.”

Councillors agreed to ask the county council’s highways department whether a zebra crossing would be possible.