Councillors in Peasedown St John are calling on B&NES Council to do more to respond to damage and scattered debris after heavy storms.

Village councillors, Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan, want the local authority to set up disaster response teams that can quickly respond to problems caused by strong winds, torrential rain and other weather occurrences.

Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown) said: “After recent storms, residents contacted me to raise concerns about overturned trees, broken road signs and debris in the road. Parts of our communities, particularly our well-used roads, can be dangerous to use when storm damage is left lying around.

“Here in Peasedown St John, a large tree trunk was uprooted due to excessive wind speeds – causing a fright for local residents and a danger to road users and pedestrians.”

The councillors want to ensure that B&NES Council can react quickly when ‘freak’ accidents like this happen, in the interest of community safety. Cllr Walker has written to Cllr Martin Veal, Cabinet Member for Communities, to ask for additional

response resources to be appointed and deployed.

In the meantime, the councillors are organising a Community Clean Up in partnership with the local Residents’ Association.

Anyone is welcome to go along on Monday, 4th April, meeting at 10 a.m. on The Green in Frederick and Albert Avenues. Rubbish sacks, litter pickers and refreshments will be

provided. Residents are encouraged to wear gloves and other protective clothing.