More calls for lorry ban in Wem town centre

The Cleaner Safer Roads in Wem group says that a recent collision between a HGV and a car in Mill Street provides more evidence for restrictions to be placed on large vehicles accessing the town.

The group claims the accident, which occurred on Friday, happened after the driver of the HGV was not able to leave enough space on the narrow road.

Campaigner Susan Griffiths said: "The HGV had been using Mill Street instead of using the A49 and due to its size had been over the white line.

"It is believed that the diversion may have directed the driver to use this route. As a result damage was sustained by a white BMW due to the HGV width.

"A passing member of Shropshire highways appeared to be mediating in an unofficial capacity as the road was by then blocked in both directions.

"As a result large vehicles executed U-turns to avoid the gridlock and had this been a school week at this time of day the gridlock would have been far worse."

Members of the campaign group have called for action to be taken after being fed-up by large vehicles causing disruption to the town, including appearing to hit the wall outside St Peter and St Paul's Church on several occasions.

Ms Griffiths added: "Residents in Mill Street have suffered terrible traffic noise, vibrations and pollution as well as further damage to buildings and walls.

"The accident is yet another example of why HGVs over 7.5 tonnes should be excluded from the Mill Street/High Street environs, unless for access. This is a highly urbanised area comprising a conservation area with a high density of Grade II listed buildings.

"The current situation is a blot on Wem that could be remedied by reasonable and deliverable solutions – something the community has highlighted since the 2004 town survey and the 2015 800-strong signature petition handed in by residents to Wem Town Council for passing to Shropshire Council."

Councillor John Murray, mayor of Wem, said the town needs a "healthy" management traffic system in the town and hopes people can be patient.

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

Connie Osborne, a spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said: "We were called at about 4pm to Mill Street to a report of a collision between a lorry and a BMW."