Community · Swindon
Council to review safety at Leigh Road site after hedge complaints
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Swindon Borough Council is conducting a risk assessment at a site on Leigh Road near Seven Fields Primary School following reports of visibility issues.
Swindon Borough Council has confirmed it is undertaking a safety review of the area surrounding The Meadows Family Hub on Leigh Road after residents raised concerns about visibility near the entrance of the car park. The concerns were prompted by an overgrown hedge which some locals argued created a hazard for both pedestrians and motorists.
Local resident Peter Lofts, who reported the issue, expressed worry regarding potential near misses for those using the footpath that crosses the entrance to the facility. Mr Lofts suggested the vegetation, combined with a nearby tree, obscured lines of sight for drivers pulling onto the road and for pedestrians approaching from the direction of Seven Fields Primary School.
The council has since trimmed the hedge, and parents collecting children from the nearby primary school have reported a noticeable improvement in visibility. One parent noted that while the area can feel busy at drop-off and pick-up times, drivers generally exhibit caution when navigating the road.
In response to the concerns, a spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council explained that the site is subject to a routine grounds maintenance programme, which includes trimming the hedge twice a year. The spokesperson stated: "We have not identified any immediate safety risk, but we are carrying out a review and risk assessment to determine whether any additional measures could further improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians using the site."
The council also reminded road users that the stretch of Leigh Road is currently under a 20mph speed limit, with additional traffic restrictions implemented during peak hours when the school site is in use. Officials have committed to ongoing collaboration between their property, highways, and health and safety teams to decide if any further permanent changes are required.
The situation highlighted some initial confusion regarding maintenance responsibilities, as some residents were unsure whether the land fell under the remit of the Parish or the school. The council has clarified that it manages the hedge as part of its wider maintenance schedule for the building.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original