A NEWLY installed street sign on a narrow pavement in Thornbury may be moved after residents raised concerns over the safety of passing pedestrians.


South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) installed the sign in Gloucester Road on Tuesday, August 4, near the roundabout opposite Quaker Lane.


Days after its installation, passers-by noticed it was taking up a substantial amount of the pavement, and was forcing pedestrians, pram and wheelchair users to move onto the road to pass.


Gloucester Road resident Joan Hall said the positioning of the sign had increased the chance of an accident at the spot.


“This is an extremely narrow section of the pavement, approaching the roundabout, and the sign takes up a lot of space,” she said.


“I have complained about the speed of traffic on Gloucester Road for years now, as cars move at such a speed up and down it.


“Now, the new sign has reduced the width of the pavement.


“It was already difficult for more than one person to pass before, and now it’s definitely difficult for those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters in particular.”


Fellow resident Adrian Savery, 69, is also concerned about the safety of pedestrians on the road.


He said: “I think it is a great pity that someone didn’t actually come down and have a look, to see that it isn’t the place to put the sign.


“It’s very unfortunate and in term time, when the sixth formers are going out on their lunch breaks and at the event of school, they’ll be going down there in big groups which isn’t good.


“It’s a very narrow road at the best of times.”


A South Gloucestershire Council spokesman said the sign would be moved to a more suitable location.


He said: “We have assessed the positioning of the sign and officers are now looking for a more suitable location that allows adequate space for pedestrians to pass and does not compromise the visibility of the sign.


“This is a new sign and there will be no direct costs incurred in relocating the sign as we will utilise staff that are already working in the area and it is a relatively quick and straightforward job.”