A HOUSEHOLDER is calling for urgent action to stop vehicles hitting buildings in Malmesbury.
HGVs, trucks and cars have all collided with walls and railings in Gloucester Road in recent years and pedestrians have also been injured.
Residents say warning signs and bollards are needed in the narrow, bendy 20mph street otherwise there could be a serious accident.
Jeffrey Manton, 63, has lived there for five years with his partner and says he witnesses near collisions outside his house every day.
Two years ago, a truck crashed into his home, hitting the railings outside while Mr Manton was sitting metres just away in his living room.
“We’re terrified,” he said.
“Every time we see a car go round that bend we freeze.
“After the incident in May, 2020, we were extremely shaken and we were really quite emotional.
“Cars and trucks are also within inches of hitting pedestrians on the narrow footpaths including mothers and pushchairs.
“Every single day we’re worried.”
Just 300 metres away further down Gloucester Road is the spot which made headlines when a truck hit a shop.
Mr Manton is called for Wiltshire Council to introduce traffic calming measures like bollards and better signage.
“Every day from our windows we see near misses of cars, buildings and people,” he said.
“It took us a year to get the railings recast as we live in a listed building so we’re legally obligated to make the repairs.
“We could just ignore all of this but it’s just an accident waiting to happen.
“What we have asked for from the start is community engagement in explaining the danger followed by involvement in a survey of the site and a series of recommendations and the costs.
“We might even raise funds to pay for some of that cost if we knew what it was.”
Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, said he would continue to work with residents on the issue.
He said: “Wiltshire Council places a very high priority on road safety and is always willing to engage with local residents about any safety concerns that they have.
“We have been in contact with Mr Manton on several occasions to advise him of the council’s process for resolving road safety concerns and have explained that residents with concerns are advised to speak to their local highway and footway improvement groups, through their local town council.
“The Malmesbury LHFIG held a site meeting on June 16, 2022 to consider a number of issues in the town, including at Gloucester Road.
“Following the meeting the group is now obtaining traffic and speed information, with a view to a potential review of the site.
“Lorries contravening the weight restrictions on this road are the main issue.
“We would encourage Mr Manton to also raise his concerns with Wiltshire police who have the authority to act upon these contraventions.
“We continue to encourage residents with concerns to consider the use of lorry watch to aid the police with enforcement activities.”
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