Lorry danger on road (From Free Press Series)

Lorry danger on road

Hopes are high that a long running traffic dispute between a builder's merchant and local residents in Chepstow could soon be coming to an end.

Barry Handey and his wife, Lyn, have been calling on support from local councillors and police for three years after lorries have on numerous occasions mounted the pavement, knocking off the storm canopy from outside their apartment in order to swing into the builder's yard of Travis Perkins.

The couple, who live opposite the builder's yard in Bridge Street, say they believe it is only a matter of time before someone gets killed by one of the lorries if action is not taken soon.

And following the latest incident last week in which a lorry again hit the front of the property, Travis Perkins have pledged to fund plans for a protective barrier.

Mr Handey said: "The lorries are mounting the pavement and ripping the canopy off the top of the door and damaging the building. The drivers don't seem to know they're doing it, which makes it dangerous because if they can't see the canopy they are not going to see anyone if they are coming out of the door.

"On one occasion a woman with a pushchair had to jump out of the way. It's an accident waiting to happen."

David Davies AM said: "I attended a meeting with Travis Perkins some months ago to put the concerns of the constituents to them. He seemed sympathetic and drew up an action plan to assist in solving the issues of the larger trucks damaging the adjacent property.

"So I am very disappointed that despite the helpful attitude these incidents are still happening. I have contacted Travis Perkins over the weekend and I will be speaking to them soon to try and find out what preventative steps they will be taking in the future."

Mr Ian Goldsmith, Group Planning Director, Travis Perkins, said: "We have asked if we can move a wall from a neighbouring house so the lorries have a wider entrance, but the owner has refused, which is rightly so.

"We have also asked our suppliers to use smaller vehicles. Following the recent incident we will now be applying to the highways department to erect a protective barrier which we are happy to fund ourselves. We need to ensure this does not happen again."