THE death of an elderly man on a busy road in Chard has prompted the town council to address how it might improve an “inherently unsafe” roundabout.

Chard man Albert Bullock died from his injuries after being struck by a car on the A30 near Victoria Avenue earlier this month.

Concerned council member of the Avishayes ward Graham Forsyth proposed at a meeting on Monday that the town council should investigate ways of making the roundabout near the town’s Tesco store much safer.

Although it is yet unclear what the exact circumstances of the collision were, it was suggested that metal railings – similar to those used at the Covent junction on the A30 in the town – could be introduced to force pedestrians to cross at the intended crossing points.

At the planning and highways committee meeting, Cllr Forsyth said: “Unfortunately, the elderly gentleman in this incident was killed.

“I have had instances where I have been crossing that junction and the traffic was moving very, very fast, especially coming out of Tesco and heading to Yeovil.

“Many cars are not signalling and you have no idea where they are going.

“I took a look at it and even on Friday I stood and watched a stream of Holyrood pupils walking down both sides of the A30 heading home and crossing over the junctions – there are so many people crossing that roundabout.

“I am hoping this council could write to Highways because I don’t know what the current state of the police investigation is. Have we got any ideas as to how we can push this on, because I feel this roundabout is inherently unsafe?”

Committee chairman Tony Prior suggested the council should not only write to the county council’s Highways team, but to the police as well, while Cllr Dave Bulmer agreed that the council should be seen to be proactive in the matter.

Cllr Martin Wale said: “I agree with the dangers of the roundabout, but in practical terms going forward, let’s look at what we can do.

“One thing is to make sure that people can’t cross there and put barriers in, forcing them to use the pedestrian crossing. My other thought would be better signage as you approach the road or markings on the road forcing people to slow down.”

The committee resolved to write to Highways and the police expressing councillors concerns and exploring how to move forward.