Sir Ashley Fox MP has backed a campaign calling for urgent safety improvements at the Huntworth Lane bus stop near Junction 24 of the M5, following concerns from local residents about dangerous pedestrian access.
Residents say people using the bus stop are often forced to walk on the road due to a narrow and worn pavement, overgrown hedges and limited space for pedestrians, particularly when large vehicles are parked nearby.
Ashley Fox MP was contacted by local resident Chakib Marakchi, who has been campaigning for action after repeatedly experiencing difficulties using the route with his family.
Chakib said:
“With my children, many times you have to walk on the road. At night, in the dark during winter, it’s difficult honestly. When lorries stop there, you have almost no space at all. It’s very dangerous. Somerset Council needs to take this seriously or move the bus stop somewhere safer.”
Following contact from residents, Ashley Fox has launched a petition calling on Somerset Council to improve the pedestrian route between the bus stop and nearby crossings.
Ashley Fox MP said:
"I was contacted by Chakib, who shared his experience of often having to walk on the road after getting off a coach at that bus stop. It is clearly unsafe to expect anyone, especially families with children, to walk along such a busy stretch of road without a safe pedestrian route. I have also been contacted by several other constituents raising the same concern.
I want Somerset Council to provide a safe walking route from the bus stop to the crossing. Significant funding is regularly allocated to active travel schemes, and I believe there should also be investment in pedestrian safety at this location so people are not forced to walk in the road"
Ashley Fox has encouraged residents who support the campaign to sign the petition HERE
