Peasedown St John is waiting for an answer following an approach to B&NES Council last Wednesday to bring forward a decision and ring-fund money for a new roundabout at a notorious accident blackspot. Whilst this meeting was taking place, on the same evening, there was yet another accident, which saw a motorcyclist taken to the Royal United Hospital.

Following years of pressure from campaigners and a united effort to ensure B&NES Council took action by Peasedown Councillors, the Parish Council and local Residents’ Association, plans had been considered in February this year to install a roundabout at the Bath Road/A367 junction as early as 2017.

However, continued pressure from Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John) could see the scheme now happen next year.

Last Wednesday evening, 25th November, Cllr Walker formally asked the Council’s Resources Panel, who oversee the local authority’s finances, to include £250,000 in the 2016/17 budget – which is to be agreed next February. She said: “For over a decade, the community of Peasedown St John has called for further safety measures to be implemented at the Bath Road/A367 junction at the southern end of the village. It’s an accident hot spot!

“In February 2015, pressure from Peasedown Councillors, the Parish Council and local residents’ association led to the Council agreeing to fund a £30,000 feasibility study looking at improvements to this junction.

“The safety of drivers and pedestrians around this junction is paramount, which is why I am writing to ask your panel to consider ring-fencing £250,000 in the 2016/17 Council budget to build a much needed and sought after roundabout.

“The previous administration dithered over it, despite knowing it was Peasedown St John’s most pressing issue. With a new Council administration now in place, this is a perfect opportunity again to consider allocating this funding.”

The panel agreed to formally ask the Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways Manager to accommodate the scheme in next year’s budget. A response will be provided soon from the Council’s leadership.

At the February 2015 budget meeting, Councillors agreed to allocate £30,000 during the current financial year to finance a full feasibility study which will look at further safety measures at this junction. The study, which is due to start in January 2016, would not have its results available in time for the 2016/17 budget decision meeting and so any recommendations from the work could not be implemented until 2017.

Cllr Karen Walker’s lobbying of the Resources’ committee pre-empts the results of the study and means plans to build a roundabout could be brought forward.

Karen added: “I won’t hide the fact that my preference is to see a roundabout built at this junction. Ever since I started campaigning for further safety measures in 2008, I’ve believed that something big needs to happen for road safety and the peace of mind of drivers and pedestrians.”

Cllr Walker and Cllr Bevan were both presented with the initial outline plans for the feasibility study last week.

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for witnesses after the accident last Wednesday, which happened at around 7.45 p.m. at the A367 junction with Bath Road.

Anyone who witnessed the collision should call 101 and quote log number 836 of 25/11.