On Saturday 2 April members of the Coffin Lane Campaign walked from the New Inn at Cross, up Cross Lane A371 to Axbridge to highlight the dangers of negotiating the section where there is no footpath. To show the danger to families walking along Cross Lane, campaigners walked up with infants and buggies. On this occasion the children were safeguarded by adults going before and after, but this is not possible for local families walking to and from Axbridge. Baby-buggies have to be pushed along the busy road because the footpath across the field is not surfaced and the stiles do not provide for buggies or wheelchairs to go through. The aim of the campaign is to improve the existing footpath so that it can cater for buggies and cyclists, and to create a new safe section where people are currently forced to walk along the road. Richard Parker, temporary clerk to Compton Bishop Parish Council, filmed David Parkin of Sustrans and a supporter of the campaign explaining what needs to be done to make the path safe and accessible. Wells MP James Heappey arrived by bike to make a statement of support, pledging his continuing efforts to facilitate the action needed politically to achieve the campaign’s aims.
Campaign coordinator Tess Gill said, “We are making good progress and it is heartwarming to see the level of local support for our campaign. James Heappey has kindly agreed to be in our little film stating his support and we will be showing the film at the Compton Bishop Parish Council open meeting on April 22 as part of our report on progress so far. What today's event showed very clearly is that urgent action is needed to safeguard local families and encourage walking and cycling." The meeting starts at 7.30pm at the Cross Memorial Hall.
Here is the link to the film:
