18th August 2015

AXMINSTER: Call for action over traffic chaos

TOWN’S LARGEST EMPLOYER SAYS SOMETHING MUST BE DONE

by Anders Larsson

[email protected]

Axminster’s largest employer says regular traffic chaos damages business and deters entrepreneurs from investing in the town.

In an open letter, Axminster Tools & Machinery MD Ian Styles asks for action – not words – saying there is a risk of “irrevocable damage” to the infrastructure and reputation of the town.

The letter was sent to – and aimed at – Axminster Town Council, but a copy has also been sent to the Pulman’s View letter page.

Mr Styles wrote: “I am writing, on behalf of the board of Axminster Tools & Machinery to convey my extreme disappointment in respect of the intense traffic burden in the town.

“The level of traffic passing from the A303 or M5 routes onto the A35 coastal road and vice versa is now at levels which, as a conduit, the town can no longer sustain. This is particularly highlighted when roads such as Stoney Lane are subjected to closure/repairs.

“The impact of this traffic is now placing an unfair burden on businesses such as our own where we work on two sites at either end of the town and those who need to travel through the town either on business or to shop.”

The traffic issues also negatively affect the attractiveness of the town as a place to start a business in.

Mr Styles explained: “We have new office accommodation which we are in the process of letting and the severe traffic congestion does not entice those considering to relocate or invest in a start-up business to come to Axminster.

“The town is fast becoming the Honiton of yesteryear when it was just one massive traffic jam, prior to the by-pass being built.”

Mr Styles also says that Axminster and its businesses miss out because of the poor traffic reputation.

He elaborated: “The town should be enjoying vibrancy similar to that of neighbouring towns such as Bridport or Honiton, but sadly the severe traffic hold-ups mean that visitors now avoid the town due to its reputation of poor traffic flow and long delays.

“What we need is urgent action to circumnavigate the town so that we can develop our own centre into what should be one of a great community and a centre of commerce for the Axe Valley and its surrounding area.

“We, as a company, plan forward each year for a level of growth and our strategic objectives, and we call upon you now for urgent action and decision making before there is irrevocable damage done to the infrastructure and reputation of the town.

“We need a strategic plan from the council that sees the town positioned well for the future, able to secure commercial investment to provide jobs for those persons who will occupy the new housing. We need action rather than words; words have taken too many years and the town now needs the investment it deserves to move forward into the future.”

The letter was circulated and debated during the town council meeting on Monday August 10th.

Axminster Town Council is limited in what it can do as it hasn’t got the power, nor finances, to commission a relief road.

A local plan is being prepared by East Devon District Council, and town and district councillor Andrew Moulding explained that a north-south relief road is part of this plan.

He also explained that the town council is working on a neighbourhood plan, and that district councillor Ian Hall has been in discussion with MP Neil Parish about extending the proposed relief road beyond Weycroft Bridge.

Councillor Moulding concluded: “Every effort is being made. It is not a question of non-action, we are doing everything we can.”

As previously reported, Persimmon Homes (South West Ltd) has sought outline planning permissions for more than 400 houses on land between Sector Lane and Lyme Road.

The project includes the provision of a relief road (running through the development from points at Chard and Lyme roads), a primary school and a community centre.

But, as the proposal stands, the estate itself and the relief road would be built in phases over a number of years.

AXMINSTER: Call for action over traffic chaos

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