RESIDENTS of Kingskerswell have turned out in force to express their worries about proposed changes to the old A380.

Consultants for Devon County Council explained their proposals to Kingskerswell Parish Council earlier this week, and a large number of villagers made their concerns known alongside those of the council.

They relate to the removal of traffic lights near The Sloop Inn at Jury’s Corner and the impact this may have for pupils and parents of the nearby school.

Councillors and villagers expressed concerns that Kingskerswell Primary School had not been fully consulted about the proposals.

Parish council chairman Cllr Mike Haines said: ‘All these measures sound well and good, but the headteacher and governors are worried about vehicle speeds, and unhappy with the lights being removed from the crossing. There needs to be a conversation with the school.’

Cllr Andrew Hartley added: ‘These works will start in just five weeks, and still no one has spoken to the school. Someone needs their hand slapped.

‘No one has listened to Kingskerswell for months now. Jury’s Corner is one of the main hubs on the old A380. It has been forgotten. An important and critical issue has been brushed to one side.’

Cllr Haines gave the opportunity for members of the public to put their questions forward, many of whom expressed deep concerns.

Rev John Leonard, who was among the audience said: ‘As a school governor, I am inviting the consultants to attend a governors’ meeting so these issues can be discussed.’

John Fewings of Jacobs consultants explained: ‘Since the new South Devon Highway opened in December, traffic numbers using the old main road have fallen from 34,000 per day to just 6,000.

‘A recent survey revealed speeds have increased since the road has become quieter. This was expected’.

The traffic management programme will be in three phases, the first beginning in July. As well as changes to the road layout, speed limits will be reduced from the current 40mph to 30mph and 20mph.

Patrick Carney, of Jacobs, said after the meeting that he would be contacting the school at the earliest opportunity to discuss the proposals and gain their opinions.