Calls for urgent action to improve safety at “Wacky Races” roundabout in Gwersyllt

Urgent action has been called for to improve what has been described as a “dangerous mini roundabout” in Gwersyllt.

Campaigners have likened the roundabout at Dodds Lane, Hope Street and High Street to ‘Wacky Races’ as pedestrians take their lives in their hands every time they cross the roads.

Local residents and regular visitors to Gwersyllt shopping centre and other local facilities have identified the whole area as needing an urgent traffic assessment, and changes to be made as a priority.

Local Plaid Cymru campaigner Pete Howell, with the help of local resident Paul Dolton, have started an online petition and a campaign to highlight the risks.

He has proposed that four measures are implemented to improve safety in the area, including a 20mph speed limit and zebra crossing.

So far the petition has received 118 signatures, with some commenters describing the junction as dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians trying to cross.

Others have called for the introduction of four way traffic lights to help ease the problem.

Mr Howell’s campaign has been backed by several local residents. including Paul Dolton who stated: “I cross here everyday with my children and wheelchair-bound partner and we really don’t feel safe shopping or going to church when crossing. I think it could really help the elderly also.”

A mother added: “I struggle everyday taking my son to school. We have had some near misses so many times. It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.”

Mr Howell said: “This junction has become busier due to the vibrant shopping centre, primary school, Lidl and train station access all being nearby.

“It’s a real hotspot and an accident waiting to happen. The online petition has already been signed by dozens of people already and we are requesting urgent risk assessments and action before the inevitable happens.”

“As a relatively easy way of reducing risks for both drivers and pedestrians, we propose a zebra crossing on Dodds Lane to help with people crossing to the shopping centre, all for roads to the junction to have a 20 mph speed limit and for the roundabout to be repurposed as it is hardly visible due to large lorries driving straight over it and road markings to be painted as they are non-existent.”

The petition to improve the mini roundabout in Gwersyllt can be found here.