Renewed call for crossing on 'dangerous and scary' Midsomer Norton road

Midsomer Norton needs a crossing on a "dangerous and scary" road which children have to cross to get to school, Bath and North East Somerset Council has been told.

The town's Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gordon Mackay, told a full session of the council that Silver Street linked primary schools, secondary schools, and nurseries but these were a quarter of a mile from the nearest crossing.

He told councillors: "Policy after policy, you try to encourage people to use sustainable transport. I'm talking about people walking a quarter of a mile to school, and it's dangerous and it's scary.

"Crossing Silver Street from Ivy Walk to St Chads Avenue is a natural desire line for many children and parents walking to and from St John's Primary, Norton Hill and Somervale schools. 

"Despite the high number of pedestrians, there is no defined crossing or traffic island there. Recent speed data collected by Midsomer Norton Town Council indicated that almost 20% of drivers exceed the 30mph speed limit with some cars travelling at speeds in excess of 40mph."

Gordon Mackay has described Silver Street and its junctions, including St Chads Avenue as dangerous.

He added: "This is your priority if you are serious about encouraging people to walk to school."

112 people have signed a petition by Mr Mackay calling for a crossing to be built on the road.

A fifth of cars on Silver Street break the 30 mph speed limit, according to data collected by Midsomer Norton Town Council. Mr Mackay added: "Every day at school time, there will be several cars driving between 40 and 45 mph."

The town council bought its own speed radar to monitor traffic on the road but it does not have the authority to build crossings. Responsibility for roads in the area lies with Bath and North East Somerset Council and the Highways Agency.

Silver Street.

Mr Mackay said: "I have actually written to Highways, I have contacted B&NES councillors – that's over a period of several years – and got to the point of getting a little bit frustrated so I thought I would do this petition and try and broadcast my message to a wider group of people."

The leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Kevin Guy, invited Mr Mackay to discuss the issue with the council's cabinet member for transport.

Shaun Hughes, councillor for Midsomer Norton North, suggested they put a proposal to Highways together and said: "Speeding vehicles is a growing concern in Midsomer Norton."

Michael Evans, who also represents the ward in addition to sitting on the town council, said: "It's wonderful to see a fellow Midsomer Norton town councillor here with such a sensible proposition."