Imagine a small community haunted by a dark tale of injustice, where a creative resident uses local legend to combat a modern-day menace. But here's where it gets controversial... Penny Ballinger, a Forest of Dean local with a passion for folklore, has taken matters into her own hands to tackle speeding drivers on Morse Road in Drybrook. Since 2021, her property has been damaged in three separate accidents, which she attributes to drivers recklessly accelerating through a perpetually wet stretch of road fed by a natural spring.
Inspired by the divisive 1889 story of Cinderford residents killing circus bears and blaming neighboring Ruardean—a tale that still sparks debate—Ballinger has erected bear-themed signs to warn drivers. Her goal? To make motorists 'look and think about what they're doing' before tragedy strikes. And this is the part most people miss... While the signs nod to local history, they also highlight a pressing safety issue: the 25-metre stretch of road, often used by parents taking children to school, remains a hazard despite its dangers.
Ballinger, who is disabled and relies on her car for mobility, has faced personal setbacks, including damage to her vehicle and loss of internet due to crashes. She advocates for reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph, a request Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) has deemed costly—£15,000—and unnecessary. Here’s the kicker: Is prioritizing budgets over safety a fair trade-off?
While GCC has installed a roadside drain and plans further work, Ballinger argues these are temporary fixes. 'The culvert at the bottom doesn't fully empty, so the drains keep blocking,' she explains. Joe Harris, GCC's highways cabinet member, acknowledges the spring's unpredictability and promises road camber adjustments. However, he insists the road doesn't meet criteria for a speed reduction, leaving residents frustrated.
But here's the real question: Are we doing enough to protect communities from preventable dangers? Ballinger's story isn't just about folklore or speeding—it's about the tension between local needs and bureaucratic hurdles. What do you think? Should councils prioritize long-term solutions over costs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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