MEMBERS of the Westbury Leigh community turned up in force at the Laverton recently asking for support to their proposal to close one end of the village to traffic.
The villagers attended the highways, planning and development meeting of Westbury Town Council on 20th August. They say that in recent years traffic has become a problem in Westbury Leigh, with traffic often speeding through the village, using it as a rat run.
They are hoping to close one end of the village to stop unnecessary traffic driving along the narrow road.
Nick Sherwood, speaking on behalf of the village association said, “I’m in favour of the proposed closure. A number of people see the closure of Westbury Leigh as a huge enhancement. I’m concerned about quality of life which has been adversely affected by traffic. I feel our community has been inappropriately abused.”
Nick Sherwood spoke of the danger of the traffic in the village. He added, “There is a lack of pavement in various areas in Westbury Leigh and some cars tend to drive unsafely through the village.”
He also highlighted the issues of HGVs, emergency service vehicles and other traffic using the village unnecessarily, and added that he did not mind which end of the village is closed to traffic.
Adrian Bass from Westbury Leigh added, “With the increased amount of traffic, there’s a serious accident waiting to happen.” He also suggested that a feasibility study be carried out to ascertain whether the closure is a realistic option.
The committee resolved to request that the highways authority consider closing the spur permanently and undertake necessary consultation.
Speaking after the meeting Adrian Bass said that the road through Westbury Leigh has always been a problem, but now that there is a relief road running through Leigh Park, something can be done about it.
He added, “I’m planning to contact the bus company and ask if it is possible for a bus to run through the village, come back through and then go through Leigh Park, as there are no bus stops there now.”
Town councillor Russell Hawker commented, “The idea of diverting bus routes through Leigh Park will definitely advantage the thousands of people in Leigh Park who currently are not served by the Frome/Dilton Marsh service into Westbury and vice versa.
“Closing the spur will improve the environment in Westbury Leigh by reducing traffic noise and danger. The village feel and identity will be enhanced. This is definitely a good thing for Westbury Leigh.”
As reported in WHN this week
