Concerns raised about experimental road closures

Tuesday's announcement of experimental road closures in the Kendleshire area has provoked a strong reaction from local residents and businesses.

The Experimental Traffic Order will close roads to motor vehicle through traffic on Bromley Heath Road at Moorend, access road at Bromley Heath Road near Bromley Drive, Bury Hill, Coalsack Lane, Cuckoo Lane and Ruffet Road from 30th April 2018.

Many of the closures have been in place during the Bromley Heath Viaduct work under a temporary Traffic Regulation Order, but those in Coalsack Lane and Ruffet Road are new. They would turn the cluster of houses at the Badminton Road end of Ruffet Road into a cul-de-sac, with their only route out being straight on to Badminton Road. You can see the details in this plan.

This is not what the residents requested at our meeting back in February They suggested that if any roads were to be closed, it should be the short section between the Coalsack Lane/The Hollows junction and Westerleigh Road. They felt this would stop rat running, while still allowing all parts of Henfield and Kendleshire to remain connected. Highways officials say the closures would improve safety at the notorious Kendleshire crossroads.

When the consultation started on Tuesday, Claire Young alerted the Kendleshire Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator and a representative of the Golf Club. Since then she and residents have been lobbying officers to put this aspect of the proposals on hold so the concerns can be investigated. Claire has arranged a site meeting next week with highways officials for people who live in the roads and representatives of the Golf Club.

You can have your say on the council's consultation site.