Following the distribution of the Parish Council's 'A30 Highway Safety Report' with last month's Ropewalker, there was an extra meeting held on the 21st June to discuss the findings.
Some 30 plus villagers attended the meeting along with the Parish Councillors, County Councillor Cathy Bakewell and District Councillor Alan Cornelius.
Chairman David Neal outlined why the meeting was being held and invited members of the audience to add or comment on the report.
Many stated they were disappointed that the proposed village by-pass had been shelved but believed that it was unlikely to happen and would have a severe impact on the local environment.
Villagers who live on the A30 pressed for a weight limit to be imposed and asked for monitoring of the air quality where the traffic lights hold up traffic during peak periods.  Speakers also expressed their frustration that other villages with similar problems had speed cameras, flashing speed limit signs, chicanes and other traffic calming measures.
When all comments had been heard David Neal invited Cathy Bakewell to address the meeting after congratulating her on her re-election to the County Council.  She stated that she was very aware of the concerns of the vil

lage as she lived in Hardington and stated how the County Council saw the problem and what they might do.  The fact that other villages had flashing speed limit signs was a trial and that the set at Misterton was because the village school was built right on the busy road and had been assessed as the school in the most dangerous position in Somerset.
Cathy added that a 40 mph limit was being imposed on the A30 from the roundabout at Bunford through to the other side of East Chinnock.
The public session was  closed and the Council then discussed what was required to get something done.  It was decided that there was little to be gained from pushing for a by-pass and as the County Transport Report had offered a safety package this should be pressed for as a high priority.  The imposition of a vehicle weight limit through the village should also be requested.
Cathy said she would put forward the Council's request at the next County Council meeting and would keep us all informed. of progress.
Alan Cornelius said that this was a County Council problem but he would be keeping a watching brief and ensure that  the District Council would be aware of any problems and progress in making the A30 a safe road through the village.