RESIDENTS in West Swindon claim poor pedestrian access to the new Aldi store in the area is an accident waiting to happen.

Planning proposals are nearing the final stages for a new 70-home development being built in conjunction with the store at the former Westlea Campus, but residents are increasingly concerned not enough care is being taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

At some points in the road, families are forced to walk into traffic when footpaths and the grass verge is blocked by a security fence, according to the Shaw Residents Association, which has called on Swindon Borough Council to make the area safe urgently.

Kevin Fisher, chairman of the Shaw Residents Association, said: “We are extremely concerned about the poor footpath access to the new Aldi in West Swindon.

“While it is possible for pedestrians to access the store from the footpath on the petrol station side of Shaw Road, several members of the Shaw Residents Association have witnessed single and groups of people walking along the grass verge, or on the road, between the Ridge Green junction and the new store.

“The safety island in the middle of Shaw Road serving the store is very small and families with buggies struggle to fit in it. The verge is very uneven with several trip hazards along the way, and a security fence blocks the verge between Chelmsford Road and Aldi. As a result pedestrians must walk in the road.

“Given that drivers are now faced with negotiating the junction off Mead Way together with the access into the new store, and the fact there is an access point to a petrol station opposite, it is likely some may be distracted enough to miss seeing pedestrians in the road. As the nights draw in this hazard will become much worse.

“We are of the opinion that it is not a case of ‘if’ it will happen, it is a case of ‘when’ a pedestrian will be hit by a motorist. We have called on the council to remove trip hazards and install a temporary footpath, and move the security fence so pedestrians can use the grass verge.”

In the design and access statement for the development from Bellway Homes, it is stated: “Inclusive access has been an integral part of the design process. Our aim has been to provide inclusive design and access for all users of all ages allowing them to move safely, easily and freely around the site and buildings making use of all the facilities and routes available.

“Best practice guidance is to be followed to achieve inclusive ground level access around the site and level access into all ground floor accommodation. Entrances and points of access are proposed at grade or adapted as necessary to ensure the inclusive access strategy is achieved.”