TV presenter weighs in on Battersea Bridge improvements after the death of a jogger

TV presenter and Chelsea resident Anthea Turner has backed improvements to Battersea Bridge, admitting she is ‘relieved’ by the news.

The speed limit will be cut to 20mph and a pedestrian crossing created to improve safety near the Battersea Bridge accident ‘blackspot’ where a jogger died last month.

Ms Turner said: “I’m relieved that local residents have finally been heard and we are to have a safe pedestrian crossing across Battersea Bridge also that the traffic speed will be reduced along the embankment to a safer 20mph.

“The Cheyne Walk Trust and The Chelsea Society have campaigned for years to make this happen and we are only saddened that it took the life of Jack Ryan to bring TfL to their senses.”

Chelsea resident Rob McGibbon launched a petition calling for safety improvements after witnessing the aftermath of the accident – the petition has been signed by more than 25,700 people.

Turner added: “We must extend a huge thanks to one local individual Rob McGibbon who harnessed people power gaining over 25,000 signatures and worked tirelessly to bring about change. “

Campaign groups including the Chelsea Society and Cheyne Walk Trust have been calling for improvements for several years and Kensington and Chelsea council also backed the safety moves.

Mr McGibbon said: ‘Whilst the new crossing is good news, it is deeply saddening and wrong that it took Jack Ryan’s tragic death to galvanise action.

“It is clear that Jack was a hugely popular man, who was dearly loved by his family and so many friends.

“They are still grieving and my thoughts go out to them all.”

He welcomed the move to improve safety and said the determination to bring change has come about “because of people power.”