Sheffield pensioners call for action on “hazardous” road junction near their homes
Council says it cannot afford to take action as funding is limited
Residents of a Sheffield old people’s complex have spoken about how unsafe they feel crossing a “hazardous” road junction near their homes.
The Fairthorn apartments in Dore are near a narrow crossroads between Townhead Road, Newfield Lane and Whitelow Lane.
David Thornby asked a meeting of Sheffield City Council’s transport, regeneration and climate policy committee on October 21 what could be done to make the junction safer.
Another resident, Margaret Willatt, said in a written statement: “Residents and relatives consider the junction hazardous due to impaired visibility on every side.
“The sight lines are especially poor travelling up Newfield Lane, either across Townhead Road into Fairthorn’s drive or turning right into Whitelow Lane. This corner is blind, caused by high hedges.”
Mr Thornby said that road signs showing where the 30mph area ends add to the problem. He said that only the skill of drivers had avoided many potential collisions.
Committee chair Councillor Alexi Dimond responded: “We understand your concerns, particularly given the narrow nature of the junction.
“While we would like to immediately address every concern, our limited financial resources mean that we must assess and prioritise locations for improvements based on specific criteria and we are currently only able to progress and implement a small number of requests every year.
“Our priority is to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured, and to focus the funding and resources available on locations where the evidence shows the greatest need.”
He said that vegetation would be cleared to improve sightlines.