Following complaints about speeding traffic in High Hesleden I arranged a site meeting to take place this morning to give residents the opportunity to relay their concerns directly to representatives from the police and the highways department at the county council (see posts dated 18 & 25 March 2013 for further information).
Quite a number of residents turned out for the meeting, held at The Bungalows, despite the sub-zero temperatures and biting gusts of wind from the coast. A strong local presence is always a huge help in circumstances like this because more weight is attached to first-hand reports of residents.
Representatives from the police and highways section listened to my concerns and those of people from High Hesleden about long-running problems associated with vehicles speeding in the village. It was reported that there had been a number of accidents and near misses, leading to fears that a serious accident is almost certain to happen at some point in the near future.
In response the county highways engineer, with the support of the police traffic management officer, has agreed to draw up a traffic calming scheme involving the use of speed cushions similar to those installed on Mickle Hill Road at Blackhall Rocks. It was felt by all present that this measure would be the most effective in slowing traffic down, particularly on the approaches to the tight bend between The Bungalows and Fillpoke Lane.
Any proposals will be subject to full consultation and I have asked that all residents in High Hesleden be contacted to enable them to express an opinion on their preferred option.
In the meantime please contact me if you have any queries, comments or concerns relating to this matter.
