A city councillor is driving though changes that will keep the city’s roads safer, after winning a third battle against problem drivers in as many months.
Councillor Debra Waller, who represents the Sandhill ward, has fought long and hard to improve traffic calming measures across her patch over the past year, having received numerous complaints from residents.
This has led to the introduction of a new 20mph speed limit on Springwell Road, directly opposite Grindon Broadway Junior School, as well as improvements to Tay Road, an accident blackspot connecting Grindon and Thorney Close.
The Labour Councillor for Sandhill is now celebrating yet another victory for residents after it was announced earlier this month that their hard-fought battle to improve traffic measures on Gartland Road, in Hastings Hill, has also been a success.
Gartland Road is just a stone’s throw from Grindon Primary School and residents have long held frustrations about the lack of traffic control in the area. Now, after months of campaigning, plans have finally been green-lit to erect a new Vehicle Assisted Speed Sign (VAS) on a stretch of road opposite the Nisa convenience store.
Cllr Waller said: “We have fought tirelessly over the past year to improve the quality of traffic control across the ward and we’re delighted that our plans for Gartland Road have finally been approved.
“I’ve met with local businesses and residents on a number of occasions to hear their concerns about traffic and Gartland Road has always been an area that has been highlighted as ‘an accident waiting to happen’.
“Hundreds of school children and parents use the road every day and yet we see so many people driving recklessly, especially during peak times. Hopefully, these new measures will encourage drivers to monitor their speed and make our roads safer for all.”
One of the businesses to back Debra’s calls for improved traffic measures is 7Oaks Hair and Beauty Salon, adjacent to the local Nisa convenience store. Owner and local resident Elizabeth Storey, said: “We’re delighted that steps have finally been taken to improve the flow of traffic on Gartland Road.
“This is a densely-populated area of Hastings Hill and the road is frequently used by residents as well as pupils, staff and parents from the school and people visiting local businesses, so I think I speak for the entire community when I say a huge well done to Debra and everyone who has campaigned to make this happen.”
Sunderland City Council Leader, Cllr Graeme Miller, said: “I’d like to congratulate the people of the Sandhill ward who worked with Cllr Waller on these three campaigns – once again, this is an example of the people of Sunderland talking to their Labour councillors and working hand-in-hand with us to make a positive change within our communities. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
To find out more about Sunderland’s Labour Group and the many causes it campaigns for, visit www.sunderlandlabour.co.uk or follow @SunderlandLab on social media.