Copthorne councillor Rob Wilson is calling for action after a spate of crashes on a major Shrewsbury road, which he says have been ‘ignored’ by Shropshire Council.
Local residents around The Mount, in Copthorne, have been raising concerns over a lack of action by Shropshire Council despite repeated calls for a lower speed limit and other traffic calming measures.
Action was promised, with a scheme drawn up for lower speed limits in 2022 which was put out to consultation. Despite this, nothing has happened – with many residents now saying they are not even receiving replies from Shropshire Council.
Dr Nigel O’Connor, who has lived The Mount for 35 years, says that he has grown used to the fact that the wing mirror on his car may been knocked off every eight months.
Dr O’Connor said: “Driver behaviour has deteriorated and in the last three years. I have had two cars written off, and one seriously damaged. I find this to be troubling and suggest it is happening far too often.
“On the 19th of May 2024 I delivered two formal letters to Portfolio Holder for Highways Cllr Dan Morris and the Assistant Director of Highways. I have not received a reply.”
He added: “Just before Christmas, someone driving into town hit my parked car which was written off, and the force was such that it was shunted into a neighbours car. Speed is clearly an issue. We don’t have off street parking, so have no choice but to park on the road, but the parking bay is fully exposed to traffic coming down the hill where the road narrows.”
Councillor Rob Wilson, who represents Copthorne, added: “I am really concerned by these incidents. Whilst The Mount is a major traffic artery, it is also a residential street. That’s why I have backed measures to make the area safer, but these have never been delivered by the Shropshire Council.
“The road design does not take into account the on-street parking, and the width encourages speeding. I have asked officers to look into the problems, but it isn’t treated as a priority.
“Speeding on The Mount, and other local streets, is always a top concern for the community, and I raise it regularly with the local police team. This has to change.”