RESIDENTS’ calls for action to be finally taken to address road safety concerns on multiple streets in Worsbrough have been answered.
Following ‘extensive engagement’ with the community and collaboration with Barnsley Council’s highways officers, several key improvements have been made.
Thicket Lane’s junction’s safety - due to long-standing visibility and speeding issues - is set to be improved, while speed indicator devices on Genn Lane have been fitted to slow down motorists.
Work on Station Road, Mount Vernon Avenue and Mount Vernon Road are also in the pipeline according to Coun Jake Lodge, who echoed residents’ calls.
He said: “Officers are currently conducting assessments on Station Road to determine the most effective measures to improve safety.
“Options being explored include additional traffic calming features, including the introduction of chicanes.
“Initial actions have been taken to introduce improvements on Mount Vernon Avenue and Mount Vernon Road, including proposals for new signage, refreshed road markings and speed monitoring.
“A comprehensive new safety scheme has been designed for the Thicket Lane junction, addressing long-standing visibility and speeding concerns.
“Works are now planned for implementation, with the aim of reducing risk for both drivers and pedestrians.
“Residents have been clear that road safety is one of their top priorities, and I fully agree.
“I’ve been working closely with highways officers to make sure these concerns are translated into real action.
“These improvements are an important step forward and will make a huge difference - I will continue to stand up and speak up for further measures wherever they are needed.”
Worsbrough’s matters were recently discussed by the council, which saw Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, confirm that works are progressing.
He added: “I am familiar with Station Road as I drive on there
to the town hall on a daily basis, and I appreciate the challenges with what is fundamentally a Victorian street, dealing with 21st century issues.
“The service is in the process of designing a safety improvement scheme in respect of the junction with Thicket Lane and High Street that councillors have been kept abreast of.
“I fully appreciate the challenges and we will continue to monitor the situation as best we can.”
The council say a ‘prevention is better than the cure’ approach has been adopted since more than £17m was ring-fenced before the summer to spend on Barnsley’s roads.
“In total, just under £17.3m is to be invested into our highway network over the next financial year so we can continue to build upon the progress we have already made in improving the roads across the borough,” Coun Higginbottom said.
“Our sustained investment is improving Barnsley’s roads, investing in our communities and unlocking economic growth opportunities across the borough.
“I’d like to thank our highways team for their incredible efforts during the last financial year, with teams working in all conditions and throughout the night to improve our road network.”
