MP AND COUNCILLORS JOIN RESIDENTS IN PROTEST OVER DANGEROUS ROAD

1.00.00pm GMT Mon 15th Feb 2010

Julia Goldsworthy MP and local councillors are supporting a petition by local residents in Penhallick calling for major traffic calming to be introduced on a very dangerous stretch of road.

The hairpin bend on Penhallick Road, near Pool, has seen 15 accidents in the past 10 years, with three accidents in the past four months. Residents fear that the increased volume of traffic generated by new supermarkets and shops in Pool means that a very serious accident will occur if nothing is done.

They say that Cornwall Council's proposed solution - more warning signs and a raised kerb around Penhallick House, where most of the accidents have taken place - will not be enough. Carn Brea Parish Council, supported by Julia Goldsworthy and Cornwall councillor Kym Willoughby, have now produced a petition calling for significant traffic calming measures on the road.

Cllr Willoughby said: "I have written to the Council's cabinet member for highways about this matter and had no response.

"That is simply not good enough. The council's proposals for traffic calming on this road are inadequate and may actually increase the chances of a serious collision, because the raised kerb will mean cars bounce back into the middle of the road.

"Since traffic on this road will only increase as more development takes place in Pool, it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident. Cornwall Council must not wait for that to occur. They must take this problem seriously and take action now."

Julia Goldsworthy said: "I fully support the parish council and local residents in their calls for traffic calming measures on this particularly dangerous stretch of Penhallick Road.

"The warning signs are obvious: frequent accidents, an increase in traffic volume and widespread concern from local residents. It would be an outrage if, after all these warnings, the Council fails to deliver and a serious accident takes place."

Jane Dale, who owns Penhallick House, said: "I will do anything to get this problem sorted. My wall has been hit three times since September - I can't even get it repaired because it may get hit again.

"On more than one occasion cars have ended up in my garden - now it's a no go zone. The council needs to introduce proper traffic calming here otherwise that bend could be the scene of a fatal accident."