A DISPUTE has arisen between residents and Warminster Town Council over how to stop residential areas being used as rat runs.
The dispute centres on the Smallbrook Road and Chain Lane area, where cars, taxis and vans use the narrow roads, which in parts have room for just one vehicle, to take a shortcut into the town centre.
Ian Stanley, of Smallbrook Road, is hoping to launch a residents' group to campaign on behalf of those living locally to look at various traffic calming options, including bollards.
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But the campaign has not won the support of the town council, which said there is not sufficient demand for further measures.
Mr Stanley said: "We have a situation where the roads are prohibited to traffic but no one takes any notice of it. Police can't be there all of the time.
"The whole area seriously needs a traffic calming overview. This is a job for an authority interested in preserving some quiet spots."
One of the main concerns is that Smallbrook Road and Chain Lane are frequently used by pedestrians.
Mr Stanley said: "People walk through to get to the town centre. It's very much in keeping with the Government's idea of people walking more.
"We are going to have increasing traffic problems as time goes on so it is very important to create little routes where people can walk safely.
"I would be delighted if barriers went up but the most important thing is to prevent the traffic going through.
"I feel it would be an excellent remedy and I'm in favour of consulting people."
A survey was carried out by the town council between October and November 2007 asking 117 households their views on the traffic problems in these areas.
Cllr Tony Nicklin said: "This was giving everybody the chance to answer. The town council's transport committee decided there was insufficient demand.
"I don't believe there's anything further that can be done. The question is down to access. If we were to go that way and block off Chain Lane, the only way to go is via Plants Green and then we are just pushing the problem onto someone else.
"It has been put on the town agenda twice and on neither occasion did the residents come to the council. They refused to come and speak."
Sheila Dunster, 57, who has been living in Smallbrook Road since 1987, supports the call to lessen the flow of traffic through the area.
"Smallbrook Road is used as a rat run most of the time. It is predominantly used in the day by pedestrians so it can get quite hairy," she said.
"The access only signs haven't really been taken on board by a lot of people.
"I wouldn't be adverse the bollards but they would have to be carefully placed so that it's not difficult for people to get to their homes. The emergency services need to be able to get by."
Posted by: Public Spirit, Wiltshire on 12:51pm Sun 18 May 08
Many so called traffic calming measures just cause more problems, funnelling the speedy boys into new 'chicken runs'.
The trouble with people to day is knee jerk reactions creating more problems. I am pleased to see the town council reject yet another measure to obstruct law obiding motorists and give the boy racers a bit more fun dashing through road restrictions.
Many so called traffic calming measures just cause more problems, funnelling the speedy boys into new 'chicken runs'.
The trouble with people to day is knee jerk reactions creating more problems. I am pleased to see the town council reject yet another measure to obstruct law obiding motorists and give the boy racers a bit more fun dashing through road restrictions.
Posted by: Public Spirit, Wiltshire on 12:54pm Sun 18 May 08
Once again, the alternative, to shut off roads completely makes it more difficult for the majoruty. If we shut off enough roads to please everyone, no one will be able to get anywhere.
Once again, the alternative, to shut off roads completely makes it more difficult for the majoruty. If we shut off enough roads to please everyone, no one will be able to get anywhere.
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