PROGRESS in the fight to impose speed restrictions and create a safe crossing for pedestrians on the A35 through Kilmington was reported at a public meeting in the village, writes Lisa Bright.
  Reports from district and county councillors were given at a second meeting of a newly formed group of concerned parents and residents, who have come together to fight for a speed limit to be imposed on the stretch of the A35 that runs through the village.
 Residents heard how the village’s plight had gained support from Devon County Council, who have made a recommendation to the Highways Agency to look into the problem.
 They also learnt that, with the help of local district councillor lain Chubb, Highways official Roger Stribling had agreed to conduct a road survey to assess the traffic passing through the village along the A35.
  Councillor lain Chubb reported that he had met with Mr Stribling and local police sergeant PC Dave Sheldrake.
  After conducting a full survey of traffic habits along the road, a report can be put before the committee to discuss the findings. They will need to know details about children’s movements, traffic in and out of the farm shop and garage to use as evidence for a need for a restriction.
  Mr Chubb said: “It is a slow process but the wheels are in motion. You have got some backing to help push it through.”
  Devon County Councillor Douglas Hull reported that he had success with the county council in gaining support for the campaign.
 Councillor Hull and Councillor Chubb proceeded to encourage the organisers of the safety campaign and villagers to continue writing to their local MPs to drum up as much support as possible. The group have been circulating a petition around the village since their last meeting, which has already gained 400 signatures. They are now looking into compiling an unofficial census of data concerned with the stretch of road and conducting their own survey to use as evidence for their case.