CALLS to remove controversial traffic calming along Seaview Duver have been rejected after they proved effective and safe, an Isle of Wight Council scrutiny committee was told.
Ward councillor Reg Barry, called on County Hall to remove the railway sleepers, installed last year to act as speed-restricting chicanes. He branded them an unsightly, unlit danger.
Cllr Barry was backed in the latest part of his campaign by Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council. It previously called for the Isle of Wight Council to explain how and why the sleepers were put there.
"The instalation is effective and safe. There is no budget set aside to remove or replace it. We do not see it as a priority," Stuart Love, director of environment and neighbourhoods, told the recent transport scrutiny meeting.
He said consultation was carried out with residents.
But Cllr Barry said Seaview residents were extremely dissatisfied with the scheme and the lack of "meaningful" consultation.
He accused the Isle of Wight Council of ignoring a 430-signature petition and 83 per cent of respondents to his survey that wanted the sleepers removed.
Traffic-calming campaigner, Duver resident Rachel Mears, said she was delighted with the council’s decision.
She said speed had been reduced and there had been no accidents.
After the meeting Cllr Barry said he was examining ways of bringing the issue before a meeting of the full Isle of Wight Council.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk