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Published:
April 28, 2009
Victory! Highbridge residents' delight
over council's road re-think
Residents
in Highbridge are celebrating this week after forcing Somerset
County Council to reconsider its plans to introduce parking restrictions
along a busy road.
Members
of the recently-formed RAPYD (Residents Against Proposed Yellow
Disaster) group set-up to fight the proposals for double yellow
lines at the junction of Burnham Road and Pepperall Road, pictured,
told Burnham-On-Sea.com they were "delighted" that Somerset
County Council has back-tracked over the scheme.
Residents
have this week received a letter from Dan Martin, the county council's
Local Transport Plan Implementation Officer, stating that the
introduction of double yellow lines will go ahead in Pepperall
Road, but not in Burnham Road.
 In
the letter, he states: "We received a number of objections
and comments relating to the proposed removal of parking opportunities."
"Following
these representations, we have reviewed our design to try and
reduce the impact on adjacent residents while still ensuring the
scheme improves traffic flow through the junction and complies
with the required safety standards."
"As
a result of this review, we have reduced the proposed parking
restrictions associated with this scheme. For safety reasons,
the restrictions on Pepperall Road are needed from its junction
with Burnham Road for a distance of 70 metres, but we are now
proposing that current restrictions on Burnham Road are not altered
at this time."
Mr
Martin cautioned that the decision could change at a later date
since an "experimental order will be in force for a maximum
of 18 months, during which time the situation will be kept under
review."
Fiona
Cawley, chairperson of RAPYD, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The
group appreciates the new proposals for double yellow lines, but
is mindful of the review period."
However,
she added that the group still is unhappy about other aspects
of the scheme.
 "The
group has serious concerns about the location of the bus stop
going from Burnham to Highbridge in relation to the proposed pedestrian
crossing."
Burnham-On-Sea.com
was first to report
earlier this month how Somerset County Council wanted to construct
a mini roundabout, plus a new pedestrian crossing and double yellow
lines, at the junction of Pepperall Road and Burnham Road. The
council argues it is needed because the Frank
Foley Parkway will create a huge increase in traffic passing
through the area.
The
residents have got the backing of local Liberal Democrat parliamentary
candidate Tessa Munt.
And
Highbridge councillor Joe Leach told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week:
"Although I supported the initial idea for the roundabout
at this junction, I was not happy at the proposed locations of
the pedestrian crossings."
"I
am pleased that the County Council have taken note of the hazards
of the pedestrian crossing locations. The idea of an island isn't
perfect, but much improved on the original plan."
Burnham-On-Sea.com
first highlighted safety at the junction last
year when a local resident called for a pedestrian crossing
there.
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