Concerned residents living next to an accident blackspot in Burnham-On-Sea have this week called on the County Council to improve road safety measures there after three accidents in four months.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported at the weekend how a family had been lucky to escape injury after the latest accident on the sharp bend in Stoddens Road near the entrance to the town’s BASC sports ground.
Now, nearby residents who include Peter Little, Margaret Sears and Freddie Needham-Spence (pictured above) and the Chambers family (right) have urged Somerset County Council to introduce crash barriers on the bend and reduce the speed limit.
Peter told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Over the past 28 years we’ve seen many accidents here, but never as many as three in four months.”
“It’s been lucky that no-one has been seriously injured. Improved safety measures are needed to reduce the number of accidents.”
“We would like to see the existing crash barrier extended a further 30 feet along Stoddens Road, a 15mph limit introduced on the bend, and new signs warning of the sharp bend.”
“An added hazard here is that buses and lorries which use the road can only go around the corner when oncoming vehicles stop because they need both sides of the road, which can be very dangerous.”
Burnham councillor Cllr Neville Jones is one of several councillors backing the residents’ calls.
“I’m very sympathetic with their concerns and intend to look at whether the council’s road safety team can step up the safety measures.”
“Something needs to be done to reduce the accidents there.”
Crashes have occurred in the area in August 2010 and December 2010 and a motorcyclist also suffered minor injuries last year when he lost control while riding around the bend.
Pictured are (from top) Peter Little, Margaret Sears and Freddie Needham-Spence; the crash scene last Sunday; the Chambers family; the sharp bend; and another crash at the bend in December
