Work to reshape the splitter island at the A600 and Trow Close junction in Cotton End has been passed to a contractor, bringing residents close to the end of a problem that has troubled homes beside the road for years.

For a long time, larger vehicles, particularly HGVs, have clipped or hit the kerb at the mini roundabout, sending vibrations and tremors through nearby houses. Larger vehicles have also been seen overhanging the footpath where there is not enough room to pass, raising a safety concern for pedestrians, especially children.

What the council found

The issue had been raised with Bedford Borough Council many times over the years before Tom Middleton and Councillor Leigh Coombs took it on and drove it forward.

Council swept-path analysis confirmed that the splitter island was being over-run by larger vehicles, backing up what residents had reported.

Reshaping rather than removing

Working with the council, Tom Middleton and Councillor Leigh Coombs supported reshaping the island rather than removing it. The aim is to:

  • reduce the over-sweep that causes vehicles to strike the kerb;

  • keep a speed-calming effect at the junction.

This approach reflected the wishes of the parish council and local residents.

Keeping the pressure on

Progress was not straightforward. Funding was initially unavailable mid-year, so the works were pushed into a later budget. Rather than letting the matter drop, Tom Middleton and Councillor Leigh Coombs kept chasing and stayed in regular contact with residents and the parish councils throughout the repeated delays.

After sustained pressure, the council confirmed the work was scoped for delivery, and the work package has now been passed to the contractor.

What happens next

The remaining step is for the contractor to confirm programme start dates. Scheduling has been tricky because the A600 is heavily used as a diversion route when the A421 and other nearby roads are closed, so the council needs to find a clear window of a few shifts to carry out the work safely.

With the case still being followed closely, residents who have lived with this problem for years are now close to seeing it resolved.