Residents in Iron Acton continue campaign to divert lorries (From Gazette Series)

Residents in Iron Acton continue campaign to divert lorries

9:00am Saturday 28th August 2010 in

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RESIDENTS campaigning to stop lorries using Latteridge Road have criticised the suggestion that traffic should not be diverted.

People living along the B4059 Latteridge Road, in Iron Acton, have shot down the idea that they should consider paying to underpin their homes to prevent further damage.

The suggestion was made by South Gloucestershire councillor Neil Halsall, at the Thornbury and Alveston Safer, Stronger Community Group held last week.

Residents have long campaigned for HGVs that use Latteridge Road to be diverted along other more suitable routes.

They claim that their homes have suffered damage such as cracked walls caused by vibrations from passing lorries. They also say they suffer from sleep deprivation because of the noise of the lorries.

In addition they have said they believe the road is too dangerous for the larger lorries because of its sharp bends and narrow width.

Cllr Halsall said: "Has anyone done any costings for underpinning to the structures that are being affected?

"It might be a cheaper to do something like this that divert traffic movements."

Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilising the foundation of an existing building.

However, the suggestion was not received well by residents.

Lisa Kopper, from the historic Acton Court along Latteridge Road, said: "You cannot underpin a Grade One listed building and what about quality of life?"

George White, another resident, said: "It’s more than just the buildings. It’s about the people who have to live along there."

Earlier this year South Gloucestershire Council monitored traffic movements in the area and held brainstorming sessions to try and find a solution but it was later announced that the authority did not have the funds to initiate any diversion scheme.

Iron Acton residents have launched a petition to stop large vehicles using the Latteridge Road to access Yate depot from the M5 motorway.