A VILLAGE’S councillor believes safety conditions imposed on a road eight years ago could be about to disappear – on the word of council officers.

Ernie Clark, Hilperton’s Wiltshire councillor who also chairs the parish council, believes highways officers are looking at scrapping the new Hilperton Relief Road’s 40mph speed limit and two zebra crossings, one at either end of the road.

The two planning conditions were imposed on developers Persimmon Homes when the road was approved in 2006. Work finally began in August, after the builders completed the agreed number of new homes.

Cllr Clark said highways officers are now looking at raising the speed limit on the road from 40mph to 50mph and scrapping the zebra crossings.

While they have the right to suggest changes, he is adamant that any final change must be approved by a committee of councillors, because a committee set the original conditions.

Cllr Clark said: “It is a bizarre situation. What is worrying me is that highways officers seem to think that they can ignore two major conditions and do as they like.

“They are quite at liberty to consult on getting these conditions changed, but they cannot override the wishes of the committee.

“They are trying to wriggle out of planning conditions the committee sat down and considered for the wellbeing of residents eight years ago. It may be that highways have a valid point, but they should go through the committee.

“They are claiming the road matches the criteria for 50mph and that the zebra crossings are not necessary, but those conditions were put in place to make it safer for residents using the rights of way.”

Cllr Clark has also complained to the council about the amount of mud being left on roads by the contractor, because lorry wheel washing facilities were also one of the planning conditions.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “We are looking into the points raised by Cllr Clark. We are committed to road safety, and need to ensure road layouts and speed limits are consistent.

"We have also contacted the contractor to make sure that they keep the roads clean and will keep an eye on it.”