Type=image;ImageID=5188;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Cllr Peter Bilson, Rita Nicholls, guide dog Charlie;TitleClass=strong;
Rita and Charlie were first over the busy junction after the official opening of the crossings on 16 September, 2014 - an honour that both took in their stride.
The new crossings control the traffic at the busy Piper's Row/Queen Street Junction, giving safer access to the city's rail and bus stations. They are part of a wider scheme of improvements designed to make the city centre more pedestrian friendly and to increase footfall for local retailers.
Rita said: "When I heard that new crossings were going to be put in, I volunteered Charlie to be the first assistance dog across - and of course I wanted to be there with her!
"This is a busy and complicated junction. In the past, it wasn't just difficult for disabled people - it caused problems for mums with pushchairs, people struggling with their shopping or just trying to get to and from work.
"Now, the traffic from every direction stops at the same time and it's perfectly safe for everyone to cross.
"A pedestrian crossing might not seem much in the grand scheme of things, but it's made a massive difference".
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "Both the council and its partners ambition is to make Wolverhampton city centre a more comfortable place to visit.
"If we're going to achieve it, we have to do all we can to make it welcoming and accessible to everyone.
"The 3 new crossings we've installed near the Interchange are part of a much wider plan to make it easier for people to move around the city centre and reach our major shopping, cultural and entertainment venues.
"The kind of work that's already been done in Queen Street to widen the footways, move potential obstructions and create a clear walking zone in front of the shops will be repeated in Princess Street and Market Street early next year.
"As well as making life better for people like Rita - and for hard working dogs like Charlie - building a city centre where it's easier to stroll, browse and shop will benefit our local businesses, too".
- released: Monday 22 September, 2014