Glastonbury councillors have voiced urgent concerns over dangerous conditions on local footpaths and pedestrian crossings, which pose serious risks to residents, particularly the elderly and families with young children.
At the July town council meeting, Councillor Serena Roney-Dougal highlighted a perilous section of Leg of Mutton Road, where slippery algae build-up on the pavement creates a hazard. Due to the road’s steep incline and curve, pedestrians are often forced off the pavement and into oncoming traffic to navigate safely.
“I reported the issue twice on the Somerset Council website and raised it with Nick Cotter, but no action has been taken,” said Cllr Roney-Dougal. “It remains very dangerous.”
READ MORE: Somerset Council ‘Betting the House’ on Transformation to Avert Financial Crisis
READ MORE: Winchester Arms: The Heartbeat of Trull Village with Timeless Charm
Town clerk Conor Ogilvie-Davidson acknowledged the council’s limited ability to intervene directly but urged persistent engagement with highways authorities to seek resolution. “It’s a complex problem, but keep pressing them,” he advised.
Additional concerns were raised regarding obstructed footpaths. Councillor Steve Henderson pointed out an overgrown hedge on Coursing Batch that narrows the pavement and endangers pedestrians. Despite one resident’s efforts to persuade the adjacent landowner to trim the hedge, no progress was made.
“People assume the council will handle it if we intervene,” Cllr Henderson said. “Perhaps a ward member could speak privately with the neighbour.”
Mr Ogilvie-Davidson explained that Somerset Highways can compel landowners to clear obstructions or carry out necessary work and charge them accordingly. He also noted that despite earlier promises from highways officials to trim vegetation on Coursing Batch, progress has been frustratingly slow.
Another pressing issue involved a pedestrian crossing near Morrison’s supermarket, where worn-out road markings have rendered the crossing virtually invisible. Councillor Rik Cook shared a resident’s frightening experience of nearly being run over at this crossing.
“When I saw it for myself, I took a picture and thought, ‘Wow, you can’t even see this crossing,’” he said.
Councillor Michael White confirmed that this issue had been raised with Morrison’s estate management, but no improvements have been made. “Drivers speed past without stopping. The crossing has effectively disappeared,” he added.
The meeting also discussed overgrown vegetation on Avalon Estate and significant blockages in the Mill Stream. Councillors warned these issues could lead to increased safety hazards and flooding if not addressed.
Councillor Jon Cousins said he would reach out to the internal drainage board to clarify responsibility for the Mill Stream maintenance, given the complex land ownership involved.
These ongoing concerns highlight the urgent need for coordinated action to ensure pedestrian safety and maintain local infrastructure in Glastonbury.