WHITCHURCH Road at Grenofen has been awarded village status after months of hard work from nearby residents — and the new title could lead to a drastic change in ‘dangerous speeding traffic’.

The narrow mile of road currently has a 60mph speed limit but since early 2018 residents have been calling for the area to be classed as a village in order for a 30mph speed restriction to be enforced.

The mile of road has six side roads, plus many properties with access directly onto the road — mostly with restricted splays. Residents affected say that the road is in frequent use by local people, walkers and cyclists, with many using the road to gain access to Dartmoor.

The call to make the road 30mph and change the area’s status into a village has been spearheaded by husband and wife team Dr Robert and Sheila Neybour, whose house backs onto Whitchurch Road.

Mrs Neybour, who handed the petition ‘Grenofen seeks village status and a 30mph speed limit’ to Devon County Council at the end of last year said that local residents had been ‘seriously worried’ about the dangers of speeding traffic and were ‘pleased with the progress’ and hoped to see the village signs erected in the not too distant future.

‘The narrow mile of road is used by locals including children on their way to and from school, walkers and cyclists, horse riders, farm tractors and trailers,’ she said. ‘Within the mile there are 40 odd houses.

‘This is not a typical stretch of rural road because of the wide diversity of road users. Some traffic is presently travelling at near motorway speeds causing real danger to other road users and those emerging on to the road from side roads and homes.’

At the latest meeting of HATOC [Highways and Traffic Orders Committee], it was agreed that following an assessment of the location of houses along the Whitchurch Road through Grenofen, it should be considered a village.

Mrs Neybour added: ‘The local highway authority will be erecting place-name signs similar to those already beside the A386.

‘Whilst it may not seem that important, it does add strength to the argument for a 30mph speed limit along Whitchurch Road through Grenofen.’

Since the couple launched their appeal, residents undertook a time-limited informal survey of traffic which showed that 15.4% of through traffic exceeded 40mph and one car exceeded 60mph with children and horse riders in the vicinity.

Mrs Neybour added: ‘Local residents who have been vigorously campaigning for what they consider an essential safety measure will be watching future developments closely.’

West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox said: ‘I was made aware of this campaign last October and immediately agreed to support it.

‘Guidance from the Department for Transport states that where there are over 20 houses together, the grouping is classed as a village and should be protected by a 30mph speed limit. It seems clear to me that Grenofen fits into this guidance, therefore, I immediately raised the matter with Devon County Council.

‘It is very encouraging that Grenofen’s village status has now been recognised and that gateway signs are to be erected at each end of this stretch of road.

‘I will monitor this situation closely and continue to support this campaign in any way I can.’

Devon County Councillor for Yelverton rural, Philip Sanders, said: ‘The committee was keen to address residents’ concerns about speeding on Whitchurch Road and it has been agreed that new village name plate signs will be installed. Once they are in place, the effect of the signs on driver behaviour and speed will be monitored. Highways officers will also check the speed data from the SCARF [speed compliance action review forum] process.’