KEETCH GETS THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY TO LOOK AT WILTON AND BRIDSTOW

9.50.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Sep 2005

The Highways Agency has agreed to a request from local MP Paul Keetch to review the A49 outside Bridstow School and to look at traffic arrangements at the Wilton Roundabout. At a meeting with Mr Keetch, representatives of the parish and unitary councils, agency officials were able to see the dangers of children crossing to get to the school and the speed and difficulty of the approaches at Wilton Roundabout.

"I was pleased that those who can make the difference saw for themselves the concerns of local people", said Mr Keetch.

"At Bridstow there has been a long running campaign to increase safety for children going to the school. We could see for ourselves the speed of traffic and the problems of cars undercutting those trying to access the school. Even with over twenty local residents, councillors and officials watching, car drivers broke the Highway Code by overtaking taking in a bus stop!

"The agency has agreed to look at altering the bus stop on the Hereford bound side of the road and to consider again a pedestrian crossing at the site.

"At Wilton, the agency has been asked to comment on individual planning applications adjacent to the roundabout by the hotel and service station. What they have now agreed to is to look at the roundabout as a whole, including sign changes and routing to try to improve the junction.

"I was glad that members and officials from Herefordshire Council attended the meeting I had organised and I am pleased that they are supportive of what we are trying to do at these two sites".