Campaigner is ‘happy’ with junction work
A SHEPSHED man, whose petition to get a ‘danger’ junction improved received almost 1,000 signatures, says he is “happy” with the county council’s plans after speaking with officials.
Former lorry driver Mick Hibberd, 75, of Oxley Close, met with the county council’s environment and transport overview committee on Thursday, September 7 to discuss the junction of Hallamford Road, Oakley Road, Tickow Lane and Belton Street.
Mr Hibberd’s daughter-in-law was killed in a road traffic collision in 2010 and, after having experienced near misses at the Shepshed junction, he decided to try and get it changed so other families do not have to go through the heartache.
Following the meeting with the county council Mr Hibberd contacted the Echo. He said he was told the council has repainted lines at the junction and further maintenance work, which will involve cutting the hedges in Tickow Lane, is to be carried out.
The council said previous work includes putting a speed table on each of the roads leading up to the junction and painting a 30mph sign on Hallamford Road.
Mr Hibberd told the Echo: “I’m happy with what they have done, it’s not perfect but it will be an improvement.
“You can’t see because of the hedges and bushes as you come out so the maintenance work will improve vision there and you’ll be able to see what’s coming up and down.
“As you go on Belton Street, out of the village, there is a ‘slow’ marking on the road, but they’ve put a 30mph marking on the other road.
“I would have preferred a ‘slow’ as 30mph is still too fast.
“But, as I said to them, no matter how much you spend on the road, it will not stop everyone, some people think they’re Lewis Hamilton.
“The majority of us are using the road sensibly, some people just need to stop being so reckless.
“I do think these plans will make a hell of a difference though.”