FRESH calls have been made for improvements to a key road in Midsomer Norton amid fears children could be “crushed” due to the increase in traffic following recent development.
Residents and organisations say action must now be taken on the B3355, with many saying the narrow road is becoming “dangerous” due to the number of heavy vehicles which are now using it.
The road takes traffic from the A367, past the Barratt Homes development, Midsomer Norton Rugby Club, the new Somer Valley Care home and residential areas, as well as Norton Hill Primary School.
Somerset County Council stated in 2020 that improvements to the B3355 would be made once funding from new housing developments became available.
However, despite the growing traffic and ongoing safety concerns, the necessary upgrades have not yet been carried out.
CEO for the Midsomer Norton Schools' Partnership, Alun Williams, said: "Local road networks are important to enable pupils and staff to access schools easily. With the increase in housing, yet no additional improvement in roads, it is no surprise that highways are becoming more dangerous and congested.
The construction site and Somer Valley House Care Home alongside the B3355.
“The section of road is part of Mendip highways and therefore was not part of the new school planning requirements. However, Mendip/Somerset Council did benefit from the new school, as it has meant there will be school places available for children on the Mendip side of the boundary.”
“Discussions were held in relation to highway improvements and part of the build included widening and the addition of a footpath on the B&NES side of the rugby club.”
Traffic has increased along the B3355 since new developments have been completed, but more building is expected in the future.
And with commuters using the route as well as commercial and industrial traffic, the condition of the road appears to be worsening while safety concerns increase.
Former Midsomer Norton and Radstock Urban Council member, John Blatchford, said: "Are they (Somerset Council) waiting for a schoolchild to get knocked down or crushed? Have they no duty of care?"
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Potholes remain on the road, which damaged my tyres. People also aren’t sticking to the 20mph speed limit despite the road being outside of a primary school. The road is far too narrow for large vehicles, causing traffic and near misses around a mostly blind corner."
The Journal has contacted Somerset County Council for a statement and is currently awaiting a response.