RESIDENTS at a new housing development near Salisbury are calling for safe pedestrian and cycle access. 

A petition has been launched by St Peter’s Place Residents’ Association with support from Salisbury City councillors Tom and Caroline Corbin, and Mike Osment as well as Wiltshire councillor Ricky Rogers. 

On Saturday, in just a couple of hours, more than 150 residents signed the petition with more coming forward to support it. 
Access at the site is needed from St Peter’s Place through to Fugglestone Red.

The petition says: “We have had occasions of children walking alone along A360 Devizes Road which is 50mph highway bordered by thick vegetation and embankments without any safe refuges. We have also had reports of cyclists who have had terrifying experiences.

"Persimmon had indicated they would complete a footpath and cycle access into Fugglestone Red in the spring, but not only has spring passed but the development seems to be a long way from suitable through access.

"We call upon Persimmon and Wiltshire Council to work quickly to alleviate the situation and allow safe access to and from St Peter’s Place.”

St Peter’s Place Residents’ Association chairperson Jacqui Johnston said “we are on an island” without safe access for pedestrians or cyclists.

She said there are no links where residents can easily walk or cycle and that they have to rely on cars to get around. 

“We are happy with our homes. We’re happy with the layout we just need our community facilities please. We’ve been here over two years now,” she said.

“We have got such a strong community spirit. We love it here but a main concern is please don’t make us wait for something dreadful to happen. We really need Wiltshire Council and Persimmon Homes to listen to our concerns and work with us.”

Cllr Corbin said: “Both St Peter’s Place Residents’ Association and councillors have repeatedly raised this issue with Persimmon and Wiltshire Council."

He added: "This issue was raised long before the outline planning permission for the 1250 home development was granted in 2013.

"It is extremely frustrating to have to fight this now in 2019 with hundreds of people now affected by this rapidly growing estate."

A Persimmon Homes South Coast spokesman said: “A great new community has developed at St Peter’s Place and we completely understand the concerns of the residents’ association regarding pedestrian and cycle access.

"To help alleviate their concerns, we will provide a temporary solution which will take about four to six weeks to complete. This should improve the situation while work on the permanent construction of footpaths and cycle access is carried out. This work will be in accordance with the build programme for the site.”

To sign the petition email stpetersplacera@hotmail.com