Shrewsbury road revamp talks prompted by petition

Hundreds of people have signed an internet petition calling for improvements to a 'dangerous' road in Shrewsbury – and now their pleas will be put to councillors.

More than 360 people have demanded a mini-roundabout and traffic lights at the entrance to Meole Village and the junction between Upper Road and Roman Road. They say it is 'difficult, busy and dangerous'.

There are also concerns about the speed and amount of traffic on Roman Road coming from both directions and the number of drivers taking risks.

The petition said a roundabout or traffic lights were needed urgently.

Under Shropshire Council rules any petition that gains more than 200 signatures will go before the authority's overview and scrutiny committee.

The Roman Road petition will be discussed by the committee next Wednesday. But there is no guarantee any action will be taken.

There has been only one slight injury recorded at the site in the past five years.

It is one of the busiest roads in Shrewsbury and councillors have been warned that any alterations would affect traffic flow.

The cost of installing a mini-roundabout could be £93,000, although further work would be needed to get the full figure.

Shropshire Councillor Mike Owen said he was totally behind the petition, but that a pedestrian crossing was the best solution.

There was already a pelican crossing, he said, and that could be adapted without a great deal of expense.

"We have got to have something which is a little bit more secure than we have at the moment, " he said. "You cannot get across. People risk their lives."

Councillor Simon Jones, cabinet member for transport, said: "We will look into this, as we appreciate the strength of feeling in the local community.

"However, as with all schemes like this we will have to consider the potential benefits, how much it will cost and whether it can be included in the capital budget."