by, Donna Albon
TRRA CLAIMS VICTORY OVER HIGHWAYS HELL!
Left to right: TRRA committee members David Barnham, (Chair), Paul Cooper (Treasurer) and Peter Hayman.
Following the easing of Coronavirus lockdown restrictions residents of Thurstan’s Rise were once again able to go out, to socialise and to travel freely. This freedom however was short lived when a last minute notification from Gloucestershire Highways meant that the residents faced the prospect of a month long second lockdown due to a planned resurfacing of the B4228. The works were set to commence on the 4th August and continue for one month, with no vehicular access allowed to and from Thurstan’s Rise during the hours of 09.30-15.30 weekdays. Despite several complaints from local residents, Gloucestershire Highways refused to accept the inconvenience of the second lockdown, stating that ‘…works are undertaken for just 23 days every 20 years (which) we feel is not unacceptable’.
With the prospect of shift workers being unable to leave for work, prescription and food deliveries not arriving and residents being forced to stay at home, the Thurstan’s Rise Residents’ Association sprang into action and started contacting Gloucestershire Highways, Gloucestershire County Council, and the Forest of Dean District Council to try and avoid the inevitable disruption which would be caused by the works. Eventually, Gloucestershire Highways agreed to split the work into two phases, but would still not accept that the closure of the estate entrance during the suggested hours was an inconvenience.
Determined to fight the battle further, Peter Hayman – a TRRA committee member – contacted BBC Radio Gloucestershire and appeared on air to highlight the situation residents were due to face in the coming weeks. Gloucestershire Highways provided a statement for airing which alluded to access ‘being maintained’ although no formal notification of this amendment was sent to the residents. Furthermore, direct correspondence from Gloucestershire Highways did not include a revised plan to allow access.
TRRA committee members, determined to ensure access be maintained, held emergency meetings and continued work further by contacting the police to notify them of a possible peaceful protest. David Barnham managed to gain interest from BBC Points West who visited Coleford and interviewed both Peter Hayman and the local Mayor, Nick Penny, and other Coleford Residents, who all expressed their distaste at the timing of the works and the chaos that was likely to be triggered by the complete road closure. Eventually, following the support from the local Mayor, Gloucestershire Highways agreed to ‘man’ the estate entrance with gatemen who would, where possible, allow access to and from the estate.
At the time of going to print – 3 weeks into the works – most access to the estate was allowed with only minor delays, although there were unconfirmed reports of a supermarket delivery driver being denied access. TRRA continue to monitor the situation with the support of the local Mayor, and consider the efforts made by committee members to be a success.