A PARLIAMENTARY candidate for Bridgwater has called upon a local council to stop HGVs from using a narrow residential street.

Ashley Fox, the Conservative candidate for the new Bridgwater constituency, presented a petition to North Petherton Town Council last night (Monday, January 29) calling for a Weight Limit to be imposed on Tappers Lane. 

Locals raised their concerns to Mr Fox, stating that lorries too large for the street often use it, and are consequently getting stuck, blocking the High Street, and sometimes damaging local buildings.

Ashley was accompanied to the meeting by local resident Mrs Liz Rixon who had asked him to take action on behalf of local residents who shared concerns over the issue.

Mr Fox said: "Over recent months Liz and I have been approached by residents increasingly concerned with the number of HGVs using Tappers Lane - this is a narrow residential street.

"Too many long lorries are using Tappers Lane - they often get stuck as they turn out of Tappers Lane and then try and turn into Cliff Road.

"This blocks the High Street and sometimes causes damage to nearby properties.

"It is a real safety concern for local residents.

"We want Somerset Council to impose a Weight Limit on Tappers lane to prevent HGVs from using it.

"Somerset Council requires our town council to support such a request before they will consider it.

"We have therefore collected a petition calling for action from North Petherton Town Council and the police, as we will send it to both."

The petition was signed by 30 residents and reads as follows:

"We the undersigned are concerned about the number of HGVs using Tappers Lane.

"We are concerned for the safety of local residents as these long lorries often get stuck, block the road and damage local properties.

"We call on North Petherton Town Council to consider the benefits of a weight limit on Tappers Lane to prohibit HGVs from using it and to support a request to Somerset Council to make the necessary Traffic Regulation Order."

After the meeting, Mrs Rixon said: "I'm very grateful to Ashley for his support.

"I hope that our Town Council will now take the necessary action."