Petition calling for council to tackle congestion close to M18 junction considered by council

Ann Rowley, spokesperson for Hellaby Community Action Group, presented the petition, which was signed by 349 residents, to yesterday’s (October 5) full council meeting.

Mrs Rowley called for a new bypass through Hellaby to alleviate traffic, as well as more action from the council to monitor air quality and for the authority to apply for external funding for noise reduction schemes.

She told the meeting: “The existing traffic congestion has been caused, we feel, by the inadequate and underfunded road structure, which has created the adverse impacts we’ve experienced over many years.

“That’s largely due to our location close to junction one of the M18, and the over concentration of distribution warehousing and vehicle depot sites choosing to locate in our area.

“As traffic levels continue to increase on the strategic road network as predicted, this in turn has caused regular, daily, protracted periods of queueing traffic alongside our homes, causing poor air quality, road traffic noise at levels that can cause effects on people’s health, even with short term exposure.

“At Hellaby we’re now sandwiched between Denby Way, an industrial site over one square kilometre wide, covering more than 187 football fields, and the Panettoni site, 40 acres, roughly 30 football fields.

“Whatever the predicted economic benefits, our Hellaby community, and those alongside us, will be paying a heavy price for providing for the employment needs of Barmley, Wickersley, and Ravenfield Common.

“We’ve asked the council to take urgent action to address traffic congestion and the road safety issues.

“For Hellaby, a bypass could be the best solution. We’re asking the council to take action to protect our community, by more accurately, monitoring air quality.

“We’re asking [the council] to designate Hellaby and Bramley as a noise important area, in the next noise mapping exersise, and to ensure compliance with the clean air strategy.

“Ultimately, what we want is a safe and healthy environment for our communities and our families.”

The petition will now be considered by RMBC’s regenerationand environment department.