A RESIDENT who pressed for vital road safety measures near the new Abergele Surgery has expressed her delight that improvements will be made.
Sarah Pointon, 62, of St David’s Road, last month voiced her fears at the potential dangers of the narrow width of the pavement running along the A547 near the North Wales Business Park and the speed of passing traffic.
But there were positive steps forward this week after Conwy County Council announced it would be making improvements to the access roads to the surgery, coinciding with agreement being reached with bus companies for services to stop outside the newly-opened venue.
Planned improvements include the imminent introduction of drop kerbs on the A547/Tan y Gopa junction and Eldon Drive, and clearing up the base of the hedge on the path between the town centre and the business park to increase the pavement width. Highways officers are to look into the possibility of reducing the speed limit on the same stretch from 60mph to 40mph.
Mrs Pointon, who was particularly concerned about the narrow pavements as her disabled husband Terry uses a mobility scooter, believes the new dropped kerbs and other measures will help improve the situation.
She said: “I am absolutely elated to hear this will be happening. There had to be a reduction in the speed limit and it is good steps are being taken for removing the debris and clearing space at the bottom of the hedge.
“I would now hope that there can be improvements in the amount of lighting on the A547, as it is very badly lit.”
Following ongoing talks involving Clwyd West AM Darren Millar, Arriva has agreed to bus services 12 and 13 stopping on the North Wales Business Park to accommodate surgery users. The 43 service operated by Llew Jones and the 221 Bws Bach route will continue to call at the stop.
Mr Millar, who was also involved in discussions to bring Mrs Pointon’s road improvements to fruition, said: “I am grateful to the bus operators for understanding the importance of introducing a new stop in their timetable at such short notice.”
Cllr Sam Rowlands, of Gele ward on Conwy County Council, believes the buses stopping at the surgery was essential for residents of the town.
He said: “It is very pleasing that Arriva have agreed to stop by the surgery. This had to happen to help surgery users and is vital for the people who live in Abergele.”