PARWICH.ORG

We have received the following message from Sue H:

I sit in our kitchen and listen to the whoosh of cars or the great clanking of tractors that are simply going too fast. (For the most part lorries and vans approach at a much more acceptable speed). I can’t say whether vehicles are actually breaking the speed limit but they are certainly driving too fast to be safely under control. I really fear for a serious accident at some point. There have already been 2 kittens killed on the road and I hate the thought that at some point it could well be a child. We have 9 youngsters along this stretch, some of whom are old enough to be road savvy but others who will just be starting to venture out on their own.

Perhaps drivers are not aware that they are already in the village when they come down from Townhead. Or perhaps they think that they have already left all civilisation once past the Hall on their way up through Parwich Dale. Nobody seems to take notice of the existing “school” sign. I seem to remember someone mentioning Brassington’s idea for slowing down traffic at entry points to the village: white road markings and white fencing to give the impression of the road narrowing. Is this something we should be considering? Or what about setting a 20 mph limit through the village? Maybe this would be the only way to make people more responsible in their driving.

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Sandra S has contacted us with the following thoughts on the current state of the B5056 between Fenny Bentley and the Parwich turn-off, with particular reference to the so-called “temporary” traffic lights:

1. Traffic lights.

Whilst searching for information on another subject, I noticed that the B5056 used to be the A524. How much sooner would the traffic light problem be dealt with if the road was classified as an A-road, and why was it downgraded in the first place?

The amount of heavy lorries putting so much pressure on the road should surely mean that a substantial surface should be put down to take the weight, or the lorries should be re-routed onto an existing A-road.

We do see roads with signs for no more than 7.5 tonnes.

Perhaps someone would like to approach the council with the above questions. I did ask Highways some time ago why this very busy road was not called an A-road? I did not get an answer, but more of a mumble.

P.S The traffic lights are battery powered apparently, and over a weekend they can run out of juice.

2. Road safety near the Bentley Brook.

Because so many people from Parwich travel on the B5056 past the Bentley Brook pub, would they please be mindful that where the road sinks on a regular basis just prior to the pub, there is actually a gaping gap under the road there. One day, the road will give – and on a selfish note, I just hope that I am not the one travelling by at the time. Has anyone noticed the wall listing?

Lorries pass on the opposite side to the pub laden with goods. On the way back, they are empty. I am certain that if they were laden coming back, then many more places on the B5056 would be at risk.

3. The chevron sign.

A van collided with the wall at the bottom of Ravenscliffe Farm next to the B5056. The wall was damaged. Some of it was knocked down. The gate and posts were obliterated. The chevron sign was also knocked off of its posts and sent into our field. That happened in October 2007.

I consider the chevron sign to be quite important on a fairly sharp bend. The wall and chevron sign were only put back up by the council last week. It has taken one year to put right.

It is a shame the cement in the wall will not last, due to it having been done in frosty weather.

The 50 mph signs are a good thing to help with road safety, but I am not too amused by the fact that signs have been erected on our land without even a please or thank you!

– Sandra S.

For a recap on the current traffic light situation as we understand it… (more…)

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