Staff and disabled workers who feared for their lives getting to work have said it is a "great relief" a crossing has been promised on a busy road. 

The 160-year-old charity Clarity, which manufactures cleaning products in Jubilee Avenue, Highams Park, had been campaigning for a crossing since moving to the site in January 2014. 

Backed by local councillors and MP Iain Duncan Smith, they urged Waltham Forest council to make the road safer, but the council said funding was not available because of a perceived lack of actual accidents.

Jubilee Avenue is the main access route to the Tesco superstore car park, 200 homes, a dozen of more factories and retail stores and has developed into a "thriving industrial area". 

The council announced last week it has secured sufficient funding to install a pelican crossing along Jubilee Avenue and work is due to start in the autumn.  

Clarity's chief executive Jeremy Robinson, who previously hit out at the council, said: "We are delighted.

"We appreciate that resources are tight but the area has undergone significant regeneration with new housing and industrial units, all of which has increased traffic adding to the risk for all pedestrians crossing that road, not just our employees. 

"It will make things a lot safer for our staff, particularly for those with a visual impairment, who face all sorts of challenges on their travel to work each day."

Blind worker, Allan Brooks, 50, has worked for Clarity for over nine years. 

He has been run over three times but believes the new pelican crossing will give disabled workers' peace of mind and more independence. 

"This crossing will be a life-saver for us," said the charity's team leader.

"Every morning and evening lorries and HGVs use this road and often don't see us until the very last minute. 

"I've been knocked over three times on a zebra crossing, so even when you feel you're safe, you're not. 

"Staff have been taking their lives into their own hands since moving to Highams Park. 

"It is a shame it has taken two years for the council to realise but we grateful something is finally being done." 

Operations manager Hayley Louise, 52, added: "It is long overdue. 

"This is a great relief as it will mean staff can travel to work safely and independently. 

"We've had so many near-misses and I've even seen cars swerving around our blind workers as they're crossing the road."

Mr Duncan Smith met with staff this morning where they held a minute's silence for the victims' of the Tunisia terror attack which killed 38 people in Sousse a week ago today. 

He said: "I am over the moon. 

"It is a clearly a dangerous road so this is great news for Clarity and young families in the area who badly need this crossing."  

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Guests and staff at Clarity's opening yesterday.

Clarity staff at the factory launch in January 2014