A CAMPAIGN group fighting for improved safety measures on one of the Cotswold’s busiest main roads as met with residents at a packed public meeting to discuss its concerns.

North Cotswolds Rural Area Against Speeding Harm (NO CRASH), a pressure group concerned about the dangers of the A436 between Andoversford and Bourton-on-the-Water, where a Blockley woman was killed in a crash in July, held its first public meeting earlier this month.

Around 50 residents and members of the group met with officers from Gloucestershire County Council ’s highways department and Gloucestershire police to discuss what can be done to improve safety on the road, where drivers have often been recorded at speeds in excess of 100mph.

Cotswold District Cllr Paul Hodgkinson (Lib Dem, Water Park), who chaired the meeting at Andoversford’s church centre last Wednesday, said he was "very heartened" by the response to the campaign.

"It’s definitely struck a chord with the community," he said.

"One resident described how a mum and three children were amazed to see a white van mount the kerb near to where they were standing to avoid another speeding car coming the other way."

He added police officers had carried out a speed check on the road the day after the meeting and said he was delighted police and GCC were working with the group to deal with their concerns.

"There are a number of simple things which could be done such as painting a single white line in the middle of the road to stop overtaking," he said. "Things like cleaning the signs or cutting back the vegetation so people can see better – these are such small, low cost things but they would make such a difference."

Anyone who would like to get involved with the group can contact Cllr Hodgkinson on 01285 651 122 or by emailing paul.hodgkinson1@virgin.net