Page 10 - link magazine

10 The Link Magazine • September 2004
Rat runners could be trapped when Westlea road saga is completed
A road safety scheme on Langstone Way outside Westlea School, stopped in its tracks a year ago, might by completed this Autumn.
The long awaited project funded of the design. Curb build-outs were
by government Safer Routes to promised to make crossing easier
School cash - first promised for for pedestrians, but people living
completion by Easter 2002 - was on Langstone Way told council of-
suspended last September when ficers that they had not agreed to
residents objected to some aspects proposed road humps on either
side of the school at a public exhi-
bition consultation in January 2003.
IMPORTANT Although Swindon Services
should have started early in the
DECISIONS 2003 summer holidays, work only
C started in late August and parents Wit.!
and children were confronted with
the hazzard of crossing behind
SOLICITORS heavy lorries and barriers on the
first day of term.
D The build-outs were completed First day of school, September 2003. Residents Wanda Allen and Dawn
Carter Read & Dove but there has been stalemate on Dolphin appalled at the danger to parents and children on Langstone Way
the humps and residents have as originally intended, Department Westmead roundabout on Mead
Contact: Commerce House Way, next to the police station.
34/35 Commercial Road fumed because right of way on of Transport rules require physi-
Swindon SNI 5NS Langstone Way is now with driv- cal changes to a road, such as Coun Martin said she had resisted
ers travelling through Westlea, humps. replacing the roundabout with traf-
* Property Matters from Whitehill Way to the Great To get the project moving again, fic lights on the grounds that resi-
Commercial & Residential Western Way. Toothill and Westlea councillor dents would be inconvenienced by
Conveyancing Road safety campaigner Dawn Mary Martin called a round table a problem that exists at rush hour
Dolphin said pedestrians had been meeting of parents, residents and during the week. Now council of-
* Employment
For both the Employer at greater danger over the last year. governors with council officers in ficers have suggested lights set
"At times there has been chaos as late July. She said, "we explored back from the roundabout which
and Employee
vehicles have weaved in and out many ideas, such as the location of only operate at peak times.
* Wills & Probate
of the build-outs. The drivers tak- humps and build-outs, and mak- "I was interested in the views of
Efficient administration of
ing short cuts through Westlea ing the road one-way. Most sug- the Westlea residents to keep peak
a loved one's estate
were given the right of way and gestions had strong opponents and time traffic flowing on Mead Way.
Tel: (01793) 617617 have been driving even faster supporters, but we all came out They all liked the proposal if traf-
down Langstone Way." understanding a bit more of the fic on Mead Way has priority be-
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.crd.org.uk However to create a 20mph road, problems of traffic management. cause this would delay the
"The clear message was that Langstone Way 'rat-runners' and
humps are still not acceptable so make that route less attractive."
officers will get on with putting up Apparently this innovative ap-
'school' signs and are looking at proach has not been tried any-
CONSERVATORIES
whether it is feasible to introduce where else. A resident said, "Swin-
priority to the traffic exiting the don hasn't been afraid to try new
WINDOWS & DOORS
scheme, up Langstone Way, rather traffic management ideas - the
UPVC FASCIA & than the 'rat runners." magic roundabout was very inno-
The meeting also discussed what vative and that has been success-
INSTALLATIONS GUTTERING to do about chronic congestion at ful. Lets try it."
Let there be a sign in Toothill
Residents living in Beverley are rejoicing that street signs will soon
be returned after they contacted The Link for their councillor's phone
number.
eii:l @ } ^ '._Nf Some of the houses in Beverley stand opposite houses in White Castle
L1P and between them runs Idovers Drive. Ted Spalding said visitors to the
iH !LI Li area found it impossible to find the houses since the street signs went
missing over two years ago.
Coun Mary Martin said that new street names should be installed by
mid-October. "I entirely agree with the residents. It's very frustrating
not be able to find houses and there is a serious health and safety issue
ay, if emergency services cannot find them."
Coun Martin, front, with from left, Denis Ryan, Tina Cleaves, Ted and Brenda
Spalding
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