20 is plenty campaign in Lockeridge builds momentum

It is part of a campaign that is building momentum with residents to lower the 30mph speed, after the death of George Punton, 64, who was struck by a car last month as he walked his dog in the village.

Residents, horse riders, and pupils at Kennet Valley Primary School gathered armed with banners yesterday to show their support for the '20 is plenty’ initiative.

Jane Davies, who is leading the campaign, said: “Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and drivers in our village are in danger.

“The current 30mph is too fast for the road and this is leading to accidents. Without action from Wiltshire Council, we fear for the safety of residents and visitors.

“Drivers consider the advertised speed limit as a target speed rather than the maximum.”

Fyfield and West Overton Parish Council has submitted a bid for the Community Area Transport Group to review the speed limit and a petition started last Thursday has received more than 200 signatures.

Parish councillor Jenny Gould, who has lived in Lockeridge for 20 years, added: “I am hugely supportive of the groundswell of local opinion that this state of affairs has gone on long enough, particularly in light of the recent shocking tragedy.”

Staff at Kennet Valley Primary School have also put more of a focus on getting the children to wear the free Hi-Vis jackets the school supplies them with each September and Wiltshire Council visits the school every year to teach the youngsters about road safety.

Headteacher Karen Venner added: “It is very busy and there are some very big lorries that come through the village, but we try to not let it scare us from going out and about so we are vigilant.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: "This was obviously a tragic incident, however it would be inappropriate to comment on it while the coroner's inquest is open.

“We understand the parish council is taking its concerns to the local community area transport group on Thursday, and they will look into it."