A VILLAGE council is stepping up its efforts to persuade highway authorities that action needs to be taken over two ‘black spots’ for pedestrian safety.

South Brent Parish Council has written a letter, dated December 15, to MP Sarah Wollaston, Devon County Council leader John Hart, and the county councillor responsible for highway management Stuart Hughes.

In the missive, signed by parish clerk Julia Willoughby on behalf of the council, it is noted that DCC Highways has ‘still’ not replied to a letter sent in November about pedestrian safety in Exeter Road, and the ineffectiveness of a crossing point in the village centre

The council asks: ‘Both involve real concerns over pedestrian safety, which the parish council has raised on behalf of our community – but with no response at all.

‘How do we explain this to parishioners?’

The letter continues: ‘South Brent Parish Council is extremely concerned that pedestrians crossing Exeter Road, near London Inn Mews are in great danger. ‘Each school day multiple buses and taxis pick up and drop off our young people on their way to various schools and this road effectively divides part of our village, so there is constant footfall.

‘When a new housing development was permitted at London Inn Mews, the curved design of the buildings, hugging the pavement reduced visibility for those trying to cross the road – this is a black spot for pedestrian safety.

‘In a letter dated January 27, 2014 to our MP Dr Sarah Wollaston, DCC head of highways David Whitton stated: “Investigations are in progress into the routing of school buses from South Brent…in addition a risk assessment is being undertaken in relation to students accessing the school buses… the parish council will be kept updated…”

‘The parish council has received no such information and this community demands that the danger is investigated and measures taken, before there is any injury or death.’

The second black spot is Jubilee Crossing, on Station Road in front of the Premier newsagent.

The letter continues: ‘South Brent Parish Council worked in partnership with DCC to provide this pedestrian crossing point, at the narrowest point to cross the road in the centre of the village; however, with reversing lorries, no road signs to advise of elderly people crossing, vehicles parked on the double yellow lines and dropped kerbs, and motorists who do not stop for pedestrians – it is not safe.

‘It is fair to say that since it was installed, this crossing point has caused concern – as it is ignored by nearly all motorists. The parish council on behalf of this community requests that the crossing is regularised and made a zebra crossing, as what legal standing does a ‘crossing point’ have?

‘Primary school children on their way to school do not feel safe when crossing, nor do any pedestrians unable to break into a run if necessary.