Local Councillor Calls for Safe Crossing on Wells Road

12.18.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 18th Feb 2008

Local Councillor Ian Gilchrist (Lib Dem Widcombe) has today launched a campaign calling for a safe pedestrian crossing to be installed on the lower Wells Road.

Last November local resident, John Bettley was killed while attempting to cross the road which has strengthened calls by local campaigners for a safe crossing to be installed as soon as possible.

On Saturday 23 February Cllr Gilchrist, joined by local MP Don Foster, will be encouraging residents in the area near Wells Road to sign his petition calling for safer routes for pedestrians.

Commenting, Cllr Gilchrist said, "For some time residents in Wells Road and neighbouring streets have expressed to me their concerns about this area which has for too long been known as a bit of a race track.

"The curving dual carriageway up from the roundabout at the bottom seems to tempt drivers to accelerate, and the apparent absence of pedestrians only acts as a bit more of a spur to speed. However, fatefully this same point is precisely where converging pedestrian routes from the upper Wells Rd and Holloway encourage people walking into town to want to cross the road. The alternatives are a grim underpass approximately 300 m in the wrong direction or a crossing about 200 m back up the hill.

"When I last approached the Council's Highways Department I was told there was not enough evidence that the street was unsafe which is clearly not a view shared by the residents. In fact, the Council nearly put a crossing in a few years ago but didn't go ahead due to reasons I have not yet had fully explained."

Don Foster said, "I fully support local residents' calls for a safer crossing and will be out with Cllr Gilchrist this Saturday meeting with local residents and urging them to sign his petition.

"I hope this will encourage the Cabinet that this is a matter long overdue for serious attention."

Local campaigner Meryl Stannard said: "We have been trying to get this new crossing for a long time as the road is getting busier and more dangerous with the high speeds cars and lorries.

"The existing crossing is not in a practical position for many and I hope the Council will listen to the views of residents to prevent further accidents happening. I would also like to see the installation of cameras to monitor and fine speeding motorists."

Cllr Gilchrist regularly updates residents with his e-newsletter. If you'd like to receive the most up-to-date information regarding the Wells Rd crossing, and other issues in Widcombe ward, please e-mail [email protected] with "Subscribe to E-news" as the subject.