COUNCILLORS have seen early success in tackling speeding and improving road safety in Ulverston.

Following numerous concerns from residents, Conservative Ulverston Town Councillors Amanda Rigg, Andrew Butcher and Helen Irving have taken action to tackle speeding and improve road safety in their town in recent months. 

The councillors began with a local surgery in January, for residents living on streets deemed ‘most affected’, discussing their concerns and preferred solutions.

This was followed by a wide-ranging survey posted out to residents in Ulverston, asking for people’s views on the matter and other road safety concerns around the town.

Cllr Amanda Rigg said: “We’ve been in discussions with Cumbria County Council and their CRASH team since the lack of proper yellow lines around our local schools was first raised with us.

“Following a site visit to assess the situation, we are now working with the Highways team to refresh these lines, which will make people more mindful of road safety and deter dangerous parking.

 “Local parents and carers also got in touch regarding the lack of a school crossing supervisor at Croftlands school.

"Working together, we’re delighted that we’ve now managed to get a lovely lady called Claire to assist with the safety of children and their carers over this very busy road.

“I’ve spoken to Claire regarding the road dangers surrounding the school and look forward to working with Croftlands school, the council and the Highways team, to improve the safety measures which are in place.”

Cllr Rigg has also been working with the town council to look at delivering town council owned vehicle-activated sign (VAS) to be used in Ulverston in order to tell speeding drivers to slow down.

Work is now underway to identify the necessary costs and legal implications in order to deliver the new sign this year.

Commenting on the councillors’ early successes, Cllr Butcher said: “Speeding is a hard issue to tackle but together with local residents and the local councils, we can make a difference and make our roads safer for everyone.

“We’ve been working to ensure that the problem isn’t simply passed to another part of the town, we need safer roads everywhere.”

Cllr Helen Irving added: “Our recent road safety survey has had an exceptional response and was really well supported across the town.

“I’d like to thank everyone for getting in touch.”

Mark Wilson, Ulverston Town Councillor and South Lakeland District Councillor, said Labour councillors have also taken steps to tackle speeding in the town centre.

He said: “Since the Covid crisis began county councillors and district councillors have tried novel ways to cut speeding around Ulverston.

“We supported the Government emergency measures for 20 mile per hour zones in and around town and indeed asked the town council to extend the zones to Fountain Street and Soutergate as experiments which could lead to ‘20s plenty’ everywhere.

“We will set up consultations for residents to comment on traffic calming measures around town.

“We have installed a popular school safety zone around Sir John Barrow school and wish to do the same at Croftlands, Church Walk and St Mary’s. This will be as cash is received.

“A new crossing has been installed on Priory Road close to the swimming pool - another important safety measure installed and up and running.

“I met with the Highways Safety team at Croftlands School and we asked for a refresh of the yellow lines, a closer look at drivers who flout parking regulations and to examine the data from the recent traffic speed measurements.

“I asked the Highways team to persuade the schools to update their school travel plans to potentially include a walking bus arrangement to boost child health and safety.

“These figures will be released in due course once the data has been analysed.

“We were there to see the new crossing patrol person start the first day at work.

“It has been a priority for Labour councillors to seek to extend 20 miles per hour around schools and playgrounds.”