BLIND and partially sighted campaigners have finally won their three-year battle to get a puffin crossing installed outside a busy guide dog centre.

Councillors gave the green light to plans for the new crossing in Manor Road, Woodford Bridge - opposite the Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) training centre - at an Area Two committee meeting tonight (Tuesday).

The proposal - which will now be put out for public consultation - was originally turned down by Area Two committee in September but was eventually passed after protests by members of GDB's Redbridge branch.

The decision has been welcomed by partially sighted centre user Gordon Wilcox, who helped lead the campaign after nearly being killed while walking across the road three years ago.

He said: "It's next to impossible for blind and partially sighted people to get across that road even with a guide dog, because there is no proper crossing.

"The cars move really fast and you just feel like you're taking your life into your own hands.

"I was lucky not to be killed there myself and it was only a matter of time before something terrible happened.

"I can't believe it's taken this long to get this agreed, but I'm glad it's finally going ahead."

Sylvia Turner, secretary of Guide Dogs for the Blind Redbridge, said: "People find crossing the road there next to impossible so it was essential we got this decision.

"None of us understand why it was turned down last time, but we're happy it has finally been agreed."

Anna Hoskins, site manager at the Guide Dogs training centre, praised the efforts of campaigners.

She said: "They've worked very hard to get this decision and we're all delighted with the result."