The following is the discussion paper written in January 2000 and amended September 2000 by Brian Boxall for all interested parties. All contact should go to Brian on 01980 843365, fax 842931.
The Millenium Project is the ideal solution to several problems that the Village endures which, combined with the desire to mark the start of the new Millenium, will mark Shipton Bellinger as a place of interest, make entry to the Village a distinctive occurence, and provide a landmark for future generations to enjoy as a part of their heritage.
The problems principally occur with the busy A338 road serving Salisbury and the West Country in the South and Marlborough , and beyond that Swindon, to the North.
This road is a major North-South trunk road, with a very large usage volume particularly in the summer months. On the approach to Shipton Bellinger from the North (Marlborough/Swindon) there is no indication of the presence of the Village until the preent 40mph signs (partially obscured by foliage) are encountered less than 300 meters from the High Strteet entrance, and which are in force for less than a half mile. Motorists simply ignore the entry into the Village and, if inclued to observe the speed limits, find they have passed through them before they have a chance to react to them.
From the other direction (Salisbury and the South) the speed limit signs are more vislible but so are the end of speed restriction signs just a few metres beyond the high street entrance. Coupled with this is the ability to see clearly about 800 metres along the road into the distance and this appears to encourage speed and overtaking whilst still within the Village boundaries. And this whilst approaching a busy, not particularly visible T-junction on the brow of a hill at Bulford Road.
Other problems arise from the volume of traffic and its speed on the main road. The principal difficulty is that of gaining access onto the A338 from the three exits from the Village. The speed limit from the North commences just before thge High Street turning, which is two Village entry/exist roads past the start of the Village.
The Millenium Project is the ideal solution to these problems annd, while by no means unique, it has many merits in common with other villages and towns using a similar idea.
It is proposed that the Northern and Southern entry of the A338 into the Village be distinguished by providing piers bearing the proposed 30 mph speed limit signs and the Village Name board (on entry) and the end of speed restriction signs (on exit) from the village.
The purpose of the piers is three-fold:
The Millenium Project piers to mark the Shipton Bellinger Village boundaries are proposed to be sited at the following locations:
On each side to the A338, the western pier (on the side of the old Mineral Water Factory) at a point 25 metres south from the centre line of the farm access road and comprising the full pier and wing wall, the opposite side of the road (the side with the houses) having only a pier because of the restricted width and the presence of a foot path.
The sight lines are not compromised in either direction becuase of the width of verge available, the levels of the existing ground and the ability to see, particularly to the right from the western access to the A338, a clear distance exceeding 440 metres.
The present Village speed restriction signs are sited within 300 metres of the turning into the High Street and do not encompass the Waterly Lane access nor the Bulford Road turning.
Whilst the Watery Lane access is considered to be well beyond the Village boundaries, the Bulford Road turning is a part of the Village, and traffic turning into Bulford Road has no protection from either direction from advance notification of the presence of the Village.
The Northern Boundary piers are therefore proposed to be sited about 40 metres to the North of the Bulford Road turning, at a position coincident with the present cross-roads warning sign.
Should the proposed "Pier" boundary positions be agreed, serious consideration should be given to providing double white centre-lines between the Northern and Southern boundaries.
The Millenium Project piers are to be fabricated from a dark red/brown brick in keeping with the surrounding construction and commensurate with the appearance of the locality and countryside.
The capping to the principal piers and support columns is to be of a natural (or reconstructed) stone visibly acceptable with the with the existing surroundings. The design is such that the appearance is intended to convey entry into an area of special consideration, and for which additional care is to be exercised.
It is also proposed that the piers should be illumniated to further enhance entry into the village and warn approaching motorists that they are about to enter a controlled area.
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Page Last Updated: 19th April 2001