Pensioner power is swinging into action to campaign for a crossing on a busy road which claimed the life of one of their friends.

The group, who live in the 88 retirement flats in Home Lees House, Dyke Road, Brighton, have taken up the challenge to persuade the council to install a crossing on behalf of the elderly in the area and families who need to get to the nearby Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children.

The nearest crossing is about half a mile away at Seven Dials. Many are terrified of crossing the road because they are less spritely than they were.

The road has a slight hill outside their homes so visibility is restricted until vehicles come over the ridge a short distance from where they cross.

Ron Powell, 88, said: "There are no other crossings or islands on this stretch of a very busy road. It takes traffic to Brighton station, the children's hospital, Seven Dials, the Old Shoreham Road and the motorways to Lewes and London.

"Mothers who take their children to the hospital, sometimes with push- chairs and other children, have to get between parked cars to get across."

Fellow Home Lees House resident Nellie Hinkes, 91, died after being involved in a collision as she crossed the road in January last year.

Kath Smith, 74, chairman of the Home Lees House Residents' Association, said: "We can't cross the road and lots of mums with kids and other people have the same problem."

Rosalie Smith, 61, said: "Most people who come to live in these flats come here to get rid of their cars but it's too dangerous to cross the road."

The residents have written to David Lepper MP and Sussex Police. A petition has been handed to Brighton and Hove City Council.

Coun Susan Joy said: "I'm backing their campaign. There needs to be a crossing between Home Lees House and the hospital. I have noticed a lot of drivers speed along there."

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "There are no plans to install a crossing at this stage.

"Our road safety officers and engineers met with residents to share their concerns but unfortunately everything is a matter of priority.

"There are demands for crossings all over the city and this one did not meet the criteria."