A PETITION calling for action to tackle the ‘dangerous’ junction of Astwood Road and Bilford Road has been presented to county council chiefs by a leading Green Party councillor.
Coun Matthew Jenkins handed over a petition with 411 names at a meeting of Worcestershire County Council on Thursday (February 14) and called for action to be taken to solve the long-running issues.
The document is the second petition in seven years to be handed over at County Hall after the Green Party first raised concerns over the junction in May 2012.
Speaking at the meeting, Coun Jenkins once again called for efforts to be made to improve the junction to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cut congestion in the area.
Highways chiefs have been asked to look at the possibility of installing a crossing at the junction but also examine ways of redesigning the junction to cut congestion.
“There have been requests to improve this junction for more than 20 years or perhaps longer and from speaking to residents this is a dangerous junction both for drivers and pedestrians,” he said.
“It’s also becoming more and more of a congestion hotspot. There are clearly many people who agree this junction needs improving.”
Coun Jenkins read out one comment from a resident who said her son used the junction to get to Tudor Grange Academy but said his daily route to school was a constant worry for her.
He revealed he has been working with highways officers to look at possible options for the traffic blackspot and hoped the work would be support by the county council’s cabinet.
“What is really needed is the support of cabinet to fund any improvements put forward. I hope this petition goes some way to persuade them investment is necessary for the safety of our residents and the reduction in congestion,” he added.
