CALLS have been made for signs to be put up warning of unsuitable HGV routes in Westbury following incidents of lorries getting stuck in residential roads and property being damaged.
Westbury Town Council’s highways, planning and development committee voted unanimously for the matter to be sent to Wiltshire Council’s community area transport group for investigation.
Chair, cllr Ian Cunningham said, “Someone has drawn attention to problems they’ve been having with transporters attempting to turn left from Bratton Road into Alfred Street. They say they say think the problems have been created since lorries have been diverted through Westbury and when they realise they can’t turn, they attempt to reverse onto the pavement and back out onto Bratton Road, causing damage to property and putting the lives of pedestrians at risk.
“They’ve got photographic evidence and have asked for signage to inform that it is not suitable for HGVs and a clear indication how to get to the A350 Trowbridge Road.”
Cllr Jane Russ, seconded by cllr Ian Cunningham, proposed the issue be sent to CATG (community area transport group) and asked if a sign could also be put at the bottom of Alfred Street where it comes out onto the Market Place.
She said, “I cycle that route a lot and there are often very large vans going up there. The livery is very definitely not gong anywhere – I can understand if they’re delivering beer to the Horse and Groom, then that is slightly different.”
Cllr Cunningham said signs would be appropriate at both ends of Alfred Street and at Bratton Road. Cllr Nick Pyne agreed the issue should go to CATG.
“This area is becoming a much bigger problem and we have to sort it out ,we have to sort the area out properly,” cllr Pyne said.
“I’m in favour of making the Bratton Road from Laverton Road to Alfred Street one-way out of town and put a large sign up coming in to Westbury saying that heavy traffic has to turn right down Leighton Park Road. I don’t think the people of Leighton Park Road would be very happy, but it’s the most obvious route, and I would make Alfred Street a no-through road.”
Cllr Cunningham concluded, “This needs to be looked at and there’s a variety of solutions, so it needs to go to CATG.”
