Path petition gets support
3:00pm Friday 15th February 2013 in News
Path petition gets support
A Petition calling for a new pathway beside a dangerous stretch of road in Wingfield was shown to MP Andrew Murrison on Friday morning.
The document has 26 signatures of residents who live off the stretch of the A366 from Trowle Farm Lane to Loves Lane.
They are concerned about their safety walking down a grass verge towards oncoming traffic when they go into the village.
Their concerns were raised at Wingfield Parish Council’s January meeting and are set to be discussed further at the May meeting.
Maggie Novotni, who lives off the A366, said: “The purpose of the petition is to make this street safe for those who live in the BA14 9LE postcode, so they can walk to amenities such as the bus stop, The Poplars Inn and the mobile library without fear.
“At peak times of the day, this stretch is very dangerous to walk down, as cars are constantly speeding by, and we also have big lorries approaching us.
“It is particularly bad and slippery at the minute, as the grass is very muddy and it was also difficult when the snow came down a few weeks back.”
Mrs Novotni said she was delighted Mr Murri-son had come to see the residents and listen to their concerns.
“Today is something of a reccy and a chance for me to see how the residents are affected,” said Mr Murrison.
“If I lived here, I would also want a path on this stretch.
“I now plan to have a word with the parish council and the highway authority at Wiltshire Council to see what can be done.”
Wingfield Parish Council decided to defer making a decision on the project until after May’s elections.
“There’s a great sympathy for the petitioners and there’s no antagonism from the parish council,” said parish council clerk Roger Coleman.
“The existing parish council thought that it would be better if the new council made a decision on this project, which would cost between £25,000 and £30,000.
“It is a significant expenditure and it would be unreasonable to place it on them without their consideration.”
For the project to go-ahead, the parish council would need the support of Wiltshire Council as they only have around £3,000 in reserves.
