Evesham Market Square bollards, calls to add before accident

Evesham Town Council councillors Marion Griffiths and John Clatworthy have raised concerns for the public's safety in Evesham's Market Square. 

Both councillors have called it an accident waiting to happen with the automatic bollards being currently down and vehicles coming into the square to the surprise of unsuspecting pedestrians. 

Councillor Griffiths said: "Traffic comes in and the two do not go together. 

"There is a lot of concern from residents who say it is an accident waiting to happen which is the last thing anyone wants. 

"From my understanding the county council has been trying to replace the bollards for at least the last six years.

"On several occasions me and my friends have had to warn mothers with toddlers to keep an eye on their children because they can be left unattended in the square when cars are passing through."

Where the missing bollards should be... (Image: Daniel Kelly)

The bollards should stop certain traffic entering the square, but it has been left as a "bit of a no-mans land" for a number of years .

Fixing the bollards and making it a pedestrian only zone once again would be advantageous for all the businesses in the square according to the owner of The Valkyrie. 

Steve Richford said: "The bollards were working for a short time a couple of years ago but they shortly broke. 

"There should be no parking in the Market Square at all times except for emergency vehicles and deliveries. 

"I've seen so many close calls with children particularly at night when it becomes a full car park. 

"We've had to fit barriers around our tables because I've lost count of the number of times they have been hit.

"You do get the odd traffic warden going around at night and they have a field day but it doesn't stop people from parking there."

Councillor Clatworthy has called on the county council to fix the problem sooner rather than later and noted the number of times he had seen young children running around and cars speeding through.

Market Square is used as a car park during the night but most vehicles should not have access during the day. (Image: Daniel Kelly)

PC Adam Johns from Evesham's new town centre team was asked at the town council meeting what the police could do to help. 

In response PC Johns said: "Traffic wardens are a big part to play in that.

"Policing wise the only thing we can do is high visibility patrols.

"That is the main way that we walk into town.

"We can start educating members of the public because if you are not from around Evesham you probably are not going to notice the signs.

"You are just going to drive in and think you can park there.

"I know most people know but there is a small minority that don't know.

"Maybe we can try and explore a traffic calming speedbump or something like that as well."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council, which is responsible for fixing the bollards, said: “We continue to recognise residents’ and businesses’ frustrations regarding the time taken to complete the work.

"Unfortunately we were not able to proceed with our initial contractor. 

"We are, however, working with another contractor to move things forward.”