Tragedy in waiting

Colleagues of 20-year-old Stroud motorcyclist James Garraway, who was badly injured in a collision at the Tom Long's Post junction last Monday, say urgent action is needed.

But, as reported in the Stroud News in February 1956, the suggestion that a roundabout would reduce accidents there was turned down by the parish council.

James, who works for the Minchinhampton Architectural Salvage Company, was returning from work on his motorbike when the collision occurred.

His leg was broken in two places and he is recovering in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

James' boss Steve Tomlin fears someone could be killed there.

"Anyone who lives or works in this area knows there are frequently accidents there and it's becoming a notorious accident blackspot," said the 57-year-old.

"Someone is going to be killed there soon.

"The junction is incredibly confusing and at night when you're confronting the headlights of several stationary cars it's very difficult to know what to do.

"James is a terrific young man - he has worked for me for nearly a year and is incredibly sensible."

James' mother Lynn, 43, declined to comment on the junction.

She is just relieved her son wasn't more seriously hurt.

"He's going to have to rest for quite some time and will have to move home so I can look after him," she said.

Despite the concerns, Cllr Alan Wheeler, deputy chairman of Minchinhampton Parish Council, doesn't believe the junction is a problem.

"A roundabout in itself would be a good idea but it's all the clutter that goes with it that would be inappropriate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty," he said.

A Spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council, agreed saying: "Tom Long's Post junction is surrounded by an area of scientific interest as well as an AONB.

"Any changes would involve considerable environmental and visual intrusion as well as being very costly."