Bypass failed to bring peace to East Blackwood

A local resident expressed his concern that they “have been bitterly disappointed” as the bypass facility failed to resolve the traffic problem.

The new traffic measures, introduced in West Blackwood last summer, have signally failed to persuade motorists not to use the narrow main street as a short cut.

George Livesey, of 16 High Street, West Blackwood said: “You still take your life in your hands when you try to cross High Street, the main road through the village. We all held out so much hope when the bypass opened, but we have been bitterly disappointed.

“These mad drivers make it so hazardous, especially for young mums pushing prams and loaded with shopping.”

The West Blackwood Residents' Association intend to monitor the traffic flow through the village for the next four weeks, and will report their findings at an extraordinary general meeting, which will invite representatives of Kirkbrook Council and the police.

The association hopes to be able to prove to the authorities the need for “Access only” signs at each end of the village and for frequent police checks to catch those drivers blatantly ignoring the restrictions.

The reason that bypass has succeeded in East Blackwood but not in ours, the association says because our main road is still the shortest route for drivers travelling between the western suburbs of Kirkbrook and the industrial estate and mainline railway station to the north, and the bypass route is an inconvenience for them.

Councillor Herbert Prescot, member for West Blackwood on Kirkbrook Council, said: “I share the residents' worries. My 12-year-old granddaughter was narrowly missed by someone careering down in High Street in a Porsche.”

Richard Gough, chairman of East Blackwood Community Association said: “I can quite understand how Bryan and his members feel about this. Personally I am prepared to support their campaign and I feel sure many of our members would do the same.”

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