The small Somerset village of Lullington is under increasing strain as heavy lorries use its narrow, single-track roads as an unofficial shortcut. Located just three miles north of Frome, the village’s historic infrastructure is now at risk.
According to Gus Colquhoun, Chair of Lullington Parish Meeting, the problem began about six months ago when Google Maps started directing drivers through the village to reach the local Andros creamery. Since then, lorries have frequently become stuck on the narrow roads, forcing awkward reversing maneuvers that have damaged the village’s Grade II listed walls and its delicate bridge.
“We’re in a conservation area, and the destruction to our listed walls is a serious concern,” Gus explains. “The bridge is now in a very dangerous state.”
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Despite the existence of a main road (B3090) that serves the creamery, many GPS devices continue to route lorry traffic through Lullington, compounding the issue. The village has repeatedly requested that Somerset Council install weight restriction signs to prevent heavy vehicles from using the shortcut, but so far, no such measures have been enforced.
While a local councillor has contacted the Highways Authority, Gus says the response has been unhelpful, and no positive solutions have been implemented.
Somerset Council has acknowledged the problem, stating: “We are working closely with Lullington Parish Council to address the misuse of local roads. Satellite navigation systems appear to be a major cause of inappropriate traffic routing. To tackle this, additional lorry route signage will be installed shortly in an effort to redirect vehicles to suitable roads and reduce damage to the village.”
While residents wait for these changes to take effect, the community remains concerned about the ongoing threat to their village’s unique character and safety.