Sir,
As a resident of The Grove in Pembroke, I was interested in your report of a traffic speed sign which has been erected at the bottom of Well Hill. This has been sponsored by Chevron - what would Pembroke do if they ever stopped handing out sponsorship. I applaud them. But! This word often pulls the rug away and this time it really has.
Just 20 metres beyond this sign lies the real problem. It is a junction into a B road and for 100 metres or so there are double yellow lines on either side of the road, also a very nasty blind corner. I fought hard for these lines to be put there, which I had hoped would deter parents parking illegally on a dangerous piece of road, when they pick their children up from Golden Grove School. To date, I have witnessed two near misses of children being knocked down.
Not only is it a danger, but this stretch of road becomes blocked with cars and taxis parking on either side of the road and often on the only short length of narrow pavement. If an emergency vehicle had to pass it would be manic.
Also the residents have no way of getting out of their properties because people block their entrances. We have met with council officials to see what can be done but, so far, to no avail.
Almost two years ago when we had an election of county councillors, all those who were standing for election promised me and other residents that a pavement with bollards would be the answer and that they would do all they could to put this in place. When is this going to take place - when an innocent child is maimed? God forbid.
A traffic warden comes when it is possible, and while they are around, all the culprits vanish into thin air, so where do they park then? Why oh why do they not park in this place all the time?
I approached a councillor from the St. Mary's ward for more help and guidance on the matter and was told, "Oh, that is not my constituency," but I am sure if all the councillors who sit on the two wards of St. Mary's and the one from St. Michaels got together, maybe something could be done. After all, Golden Grove School educates all the children from these three districts.
Just a word of warning for future elections, do not believe all that the 'want to be' councillors promise you pre-election, as when they are in their cushy jobs, their promises, and you, will be well forgotten.
Janet Sheppard (Mrs.),
The Grove,
Pembroke.