Traffic measures call to stop wall damage at Wem church

Members of the Cleaner Safer Roads in Wem Campaign have spoken of their frustration after the wall outside St Peter's and St Paul's Church was damaged once again.

The bollards protecting the wall have been hit a number of times in recent months and Sue Griffiths, a spokesperson for the group, said something needed to be done.

"The bollards protecting the church wall were again struck on December 18," she said. "These new bollards were reinstalled on November 22 and have therefore lasted about 28 days.

"Of the three bollards, one has been knocked out completely, the second has been hit with so much force it has been heaved up with its foundations, and the third untouched.

"Sadly the incident has further damaged the church wall. I can only assume from the removal of the bollard and the tape placed at the scene that the police are aware, and hopefully have details of the driver who must have damaged his vehicle from such a ferocious knock."

The action group has been pushing for added pressure to be put on authorities to make changes to the road.

So far, a petition launched by the group has attracted about 800 signatures in support of a sign banning HGVs from parts of the town centre or introducing weight restrictions.

Mrs Griffiths added: "The saga of the bollards is ongoing. In March 2015 they were reported to highways as being damaged, when they had only been replaced earlier that year.

"Such regular impact surely gives full credence to our 800-strong petition requesting that something urgently needs to be done about traffic travelling through Mill Street and the High Street of Wem.

"We realise from the last few months that the damage will now accelerate whilst there is no protection there at all."

Earlier this year the group of campaigners called for HGVs to be restricted from using parts of the town centre.

They say the town cannot cope with the number of large vehicles using it, which they claim are damaging historic buildings – including the church.

Mrs Griffiths has recorded a number of photos of the wall when it has been damaged by vehicles.

Shropshire Council has already said it will monitor traffic flows in and around Wem before deciding on the "most appropriate intervention".