Initiative for A417 changes (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Initiative for A417 changes

A STRETCH of the A417 could be downgraded if local councils along the route back the initiative.

Gloucestershire County Council is considering the proposal after 1,000 residents signed a petition asking the road to be reclassified.

Heavy lorries and congestion problems in recent years have made life intolerable for some homeowners who live between Cirencester and Lechlade.

However, Fairford Town Council, which would be most effected by any downgrading, has yet to decide whether to back the proposal.

Town mayor Chris Roberts said: "There are mixed feelings among the councillors.

"Some think it will mean lorries will use an alternative route, but we are also concerned there might be less money available for road maintenance.

"We haven't had a thorough debate on it yet - it is on our agenda to discuss."

If the relevant consultees back the reclassification, the consultation will then be broadened so residents can once again voice their opinions. Subject to the support of the people, the relevant Government body will then be asked to downgrade the A road to a B road.

John Whittaker, area traffic manager for the Cotswolds, said: "We had a petition in of about 1,000 signatures from residents along that route.

"The consultation is leading on from the petition and, if it is the will of the people, then we will take it forward.

"It is a lot to do with lorries but it is also partly because the route isn't as important as it used to be.

"Downgrading means on maps it won't become a first choice route." The issue of the A417 is one of many in the Cotswolds currently being addressed by the county council under the banner of the Great Gloucestershire Debate.

Steps are being taken to get heavy goods vehicles back on the motorways in a bid to lesson their impact on countryside life.

Council officers also say they are considering enforcing weight restrictions and overnight curfews in problem areas.

To download a GGD questionnaire visit www.greatgloucestershiredebate.org.uk