12th May 2010

CHIDEOCK: Chideock traffic protests on hold

by Tom Glover

TRAFFIC protests in Chideock have temporarily been put on hold while residents try to negotiate a solution to the problem.

Leader of the protestors Tony Fuller met with the Highways Agency yesterday to propose his latest plans to re-route HGV traffic along the A303.

On Friday morning Mr Fuller will be meeting with West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin.

A group of around 15 protestors have now carried out four separate demonstrations where they repeatedly use the newly installed pedestrian crossing.

The protest has received worldwide media attention with Mr Fuller conducting several TV and radio interviews, including appearances on Sky and Radio Two’s Jeremy Vine show.

There has also been support for action from WDDC who recognised pollution problems in a report published in December 2008.

Acting Waste and Environmental Health Manager Tegwyn Jones said: “The problem of air quality on the A35 at Chideock is something we have been working on for some time as the levels of nitrogen dioxide are just above European Community guidelines.

“The worst points measured, on the pavement to the A35, are slightly over the level at which we must consider action to reduce pollution.”

Despite the support the protest has not been welcomed by all Chideock residents. At the last protest on Friday afternoon North Chideock resident Sarah Mitchell parked her car alongside the protest bearing the message: “If you don’t like lorries leave”.

The George pub also got involved with the protest; adding a bit of humour by handing out free “jam” sandwiches to those caught in the traffic queues.

Mr Fuller hopes that HGV traffic can be re-routed along the A303 from Southampton to Plymouth, claiming this will add only eight minutes onto the drivers’ journey. If no progress is made by the weekend then protests will start again next week and run twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays until demands are met.

Speaking at the last protest on Friday, Mr Fuller said: “We want to re-route the traffic and for people to have peace and quiet here.

“We want the Jurassic coast heritage site to be the most famous part of the country because it’s the most beautiful and we don’t want it polluted with lorries and container wagons 24 hours a day.

“We are suspending the protests for a short period whilst we visit the other avenues such as talks with Oliver Letwin, the Highways Agency and we are going to try and go round and try to resolve it and if we can’t then we shall be back again.”

Also speaking at the protest on Friday, North Chideock resident Sarah Mitchell, who has lived in the village for 14 years, said: “We are in an economic squeeze and there are businesses that rely on people coming through here.

“Life does actually revolve around business, yes people have the right to a decent way of life but if you don’t want to live on a road then don’t buy a house on one. I’m sorry, I know it sounds like I am speaking to the converted but it just seems eminently logical.

“I think this is the way it is and the easiest way would be to change the people.”

Dorset County Council traffic manager Tim Westwood has expressed concern for other villagers caught up in the protest.

He said: “This action may well draw headlines but it may also provoke an unwelcome reaction from irate drivers, and local people legitimately using the crossing may well receive unwanted comments as a result.

“The A35 is an important route for all traffic in Dorset and until there is a reasonable alternative to bypass Chideock then there is little chance of reducing its use by heavy goods vehicles.”

A PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting involving Chideock residents and SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team) officers, scheduled to take place at The Clockhouse on Thursday, has been cancelled.

PICTURE: ROUND FOUR - Chideock protestors hold their fourth demonstration on Friday

CHIDEOCK: Chideock traffic protests on hold

CHIDEOCK: Chideock traffic protests on hold

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