Final call for crossing at Rooksbridge (From This is The West Country)
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Final call for crossing at Rooksbridge
4:16pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News
Final call for crossing at Rooksbridge
A WIDOWER is preparing a last ditch effort to get a pedestrian crossing installed on a busy stretch of road on the A38 in Rooksbridge.
Pat Ireland has been campaigning for safety measures in the area since her husband, Gordon, was killed in 2008 when he was hit by a car as he walked alongside the A38 by Rooksbridge post office.
After his death, Pat set up the charity Lights for Life to raise funds for a puffin crossing to be installed outside the post office.
However, the location was considered unsuitable and other safety suggestions have met a similar verdict.
Pat told the Weekly News: “The village is divided by the A38 and when motorists come towards the 30mph sign they don’t realise it’s a village and don’t slow down.
“David Maund, our chairman, has now submitted designs for an Island Crossing to be installed, which Somerset County Councillor John Denbee will submit to the council.”
The charity has also just received permission for two vehicle-activated signs costing £8,000 to be installed, which will display the speed limit and show a camera symbol to remind motorists there are speed cameras present.
Pat added: “The speed which some people have been doing is shocking. I was told someone had been recorded driving 92 mph along that stretch on Sunday.
“We’ve suggested everything from rumble strips, which we were told would slow traffic too much, to lollypop ladies, who we were told couldn’t be used because the road was too dangerous.”
Pat is encouraging people to attend the charity’s Grand Autumn Ball at the Batch Country Hotel, Lympsham, on Saturday, November 3, as it is its main funding source.
Tickets are £35 per person and include a welcome drink, canapés, a two-course meal, live band, casino, grand auction and a prize draw.
The event will run from 7pm to 1am and the dress code will be dinner suits and ballgown/|cocktail dress.
For tickets call 07981-331213 or 01934-750243.
