By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Some 50 villagers are calling for a crackdown on speeding and improved signage after a pedestrian was killed on the A38 near Deerhurst Walton in December.
There is concern over road safety in the parish of Deerhurst due to speeding on the Ledbury Road and around the school and village of Apperley.
There have also been accidents near the Farmers Arms in Lower Apperley. And a man in his 60s died in December after a collision on the A38 near Deerhurst Walton.
Deerhurst Parish Council hosted a meeting on Tuesday evening at Apperley Village Hall to allow residents to share their concerns over local road safety.
Residents shared concerns about a number of traffic issues in the parish, including speeding on the Ledbury Road (B4213) and in the village of Apperley.
The condition of some of the roads is leading to motorists swerving to avoid potholes, poor signage is also a concern as well as speed limits which they believe need to be revised and reduced.
Ideas generated at the meeting are now being collated, with a further meeting planned to discuss possible solutions with community partners, the police and Gloucestershire County Council Highways.
Parish council chairman Laura Bromberg said: “We are grateful to residents for their time and support, and look forward to working closely together as a community to ensure that safety in the parish is of the highest priority.”
The meeting was attended by around 50 residents who were joined by the newly elected County Councillor Richard Stanley (LD).
Cllr Stanley said he will work the new councillors, Highways officers, parish councillors, residents and MP Cameron Thomas to ensure residents are listened and action is taken.
“Following a dreadful and senseless incident in which a pedestrian was tragically killed, plus a number of other incidents and near misses on roads in the area, their are serious concerns and the people of Apperley are crying out to be heard and these issues taken seriously.
“As the new county councillor I am grateful to everyone who took time to attend the meeting and share their views and experience.
“I’m hearing from residents across the area about the serious problems on many of our counties roads. Too often we have to wait until someone loses a life before people are heard and this has to change.
“I will work with our new councillors, Highways officers, parish councillors, residents and our MP Cameron Thomas to ensure residents are listened to, the issues are identified and action taken.”
Anyone interested in joining a community speed watch group or a traffic working group is asked to contact the clerk Seline Holder, clerk@deerhurst-pc.gov.uk