Buckinghamshire Council has responded to the calls for a pedestrian crossing outside the new Beaconsfield Medical Centre saying that there needs to be a "consistent pedestrian flow" for one to be built.

Since the new centre opened on Monday (July 4) there have been concerns about patients having to "take their lives into their own hands" to cross the A40 at the junction nearest Burkes Road after getting off at the bus.

Cllr Peter Strachan, the cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said that a full assessment of the site happened the plans were proposed the council feels the existing crossing remains the "best option" for the location.

Local MP Joy Morrissey backed the pedestrian crossing call saying there will "undoubtedly" be an increase in the risk of accidents with "more people using public transport to reach healthcare provision".

The Beaconsfield MP has been invited to the site by the council along with residents' representatives so the issue can be discussed in person.

Cllr Peter Strachan said: “Road safety is a key factor when examining new buildings or developments as part of the planning process.

"In this instance, a full assessment of the site was made when the new medical centre was originally proposed.

"An existing pedestrian refuge is provided on the A40 and this helps pedestrians by breaking up the crossing in two parts.

"A financial contribution was also secured as part of the planning permission for the medical centre, which included funding to support the Beaconsfield community minibus project, so as to improve access for less mobile visitors to the centre.

"I acknowledge that some residents would like to see a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing at the site, however, these are provided where there is consistent pedestrian flow across the road and that is not the case at this site.

"We have to weigh this consideration up against the fact that motorists who don’t regularly have to stop at a crossing can become accustomed to passing through without stopping and this in itself poses a potential safety issue to pedestrians.

"This problem is accentuated on higher speed roads, as is the case in this location.

"I do want to assure residents that a lot of time and attention has been given to this matter and all safety implications thoroughly examined and considered.

"We feel the existing provision remains the best option for this location.

"We will be offering a site visit to Joy Morrissey MP and residents representatives so these issues can be discussed in person with direct reference to the location.”