A CAR ended up on its roof following a crash in Manuden – at the proposed site of the entrance to a new £1m community hall, sports pavilion and housing development.
The accident on Clavering Road last Friday morning (Jan 27) has fuelled a campaign by parish councillor Julie Kershaw to get the access point moved.
“We want them to look at it again and come up with a different proposition – a safer one,” she said.
The development has been given outline permission by planning authority Uttlesford District Council.
Mrs Kershaw believes a mini-roundabout a little further along the road would be a safer option, slowing traffic and providing immediate access to the homes and facilities rather than taking drivers further out of their way.
“We’ve argued from the start that the entrance siting is too dangerous, but Uttlesford are telling us it meets guidelines in terms of sight lines etc,” she said.
“This incident [car crash] happened at exactly the place where the entrance is proposed to be sited, proving our point.
“It’s sad that something as serious as this has to happen before anyone takes notice.
“This driver was lucky as a senior doctor on route to Harlow was passing – the next driver won’t be so lucky.”
Mrs Kershaw and husband Charles have lived opposite the scene of the accident for 12 years and say the speed of traffic along that stretch has always been a problem, with drivers heading north coming out of the 30mph limit and putting their foot down.
“We’re talking about public safety – never mind the guidelines, we need common sense here,” she said.
Les Atkinson, chairman of the parish council which submitted the plans, said that the siting of the proposed access was being reviewed following a public exhibition held in the village in January when the detailed plans were on view.
“They were generally well received by people who went to the exhibition and we know we have the support of the majority of the village,” he said.
However, concerns were raised over safety and the access being too far out of the village.
Cllr Atkinson added: “As a consequence of the exhibition we have recommissioned our traffic consultants to have another look at the possibility of moving it closer to the village.
“Their initial remarks were that it would not be possible to do because of the sight lines.”
