CONCERNED members of a community hope their years-old calls for anti-speeding measures will finally happen - after a new road safety group formed to put forward residents’ views.
Shafton Village Road Safety Group, since its creation by Adrian Blackburn and Jordan Gray just a matter of weeks ago, has already amassed more than 200 members.
This, locals say, show the enormity of the issue and the group’s already been backed by Couns Ashley Peace, Ruth Booker and Dorothy Coates who represent the North East ward for Barnsley Council.
Following years of issues raised by Shafton Parish Council - predominantly due to speeding on High Street and Dog Hill, as well as high collision rates on Sandy Bridge Lane - it’s now hoped members will vote on potential problem-solving solutions before they can be submitted to highways bosses.
Co-founder Adrian Blackburn told the Chronicle: “The group’s very much in its early stages but already the response has been great.
“Clearly it shows something needs to change and with the councillors’ involvement, we’re hopeful that they can put forward our views to the local authority’s highways team.
“Speeding has been a significant issue in Shafton for a long time and it’s particularly concerning because there’s the primary school and Dog Hill before the route meets Sandy Bridge Lane.
“We just want to make the village much safer for pedestrians and motorists alike.”
Sandy Bridge Lane, which connects Shafton to Felkirk and Royston, has been high on the parish council’s agenda for a ‘decade’ due to its collision rate.
Group member Julie Fields has urged both Barnsley and Wakefield councils - due to Shafton’s proximity to Ryhill which is under the neighbouring authority’s jurisdiction - to finally listen to her and others having made a desperate plea.
Her own campaign revealed more than 30 accidents have occurred on popular routes used by horse riders around Shafton, Felkirk, Royston and Ryhill in the last five years.
She added: “I couldn’t believe the road traffic collision data I pulled up - it’s absolutely shocking yet we’re aware some haven’t even been logged.
“How are people, especially horse riders, meant to feel safe when collision rates on country lanes are so high?
“Shafton’s a key place given it’s a semi-rural location and has links to Royston, Felkirk and West Yorkshire.
“One good thing is that our local leaders - from councillors including Dorothy Coates, MP Stephanie Peacock and police officers on both sides of the border - all seem to be on the same page.”
Coun Peace told the Chronicle the group’s creation was a ‘welcome addition’ to the village.
“Their priority is to make roads in Shafton safer and we’re happy to be working in collaboration with them, the police and the council’s highways officers.
“A key area is inevitably the primary school and we’re hoping to have a community speed watch-style event which will involve the kids and police.”
