CALLS are being made for urgent safety measures on a Wellington road to prevent a potential ‘tragedy’ near a toddler group.

Ex-organic farmer and town resident, Leary Hasson, urges locals to sign a petition he has launched which urges decision-makers to introduce a 20mph speed limit outside the methodist church on Waterloo Road.

The petition, which started on October 8, is pushing to improve safety for children and elderly residents who use the pavements and crossings regularly.

The church also hosts daycare and pre-school and toddler groups run by Emma Clements, who has worked closely with Mr Hasson to garner further support for the petition.

Emma said: “Keeping everyone who attends and works in the pre-school safe is obviously one of my main responsibilities. I have never really felt that I had much control over the outside of the pre-school and the near misses we have had on the very dangerous road.

“The main concern is the speed which the vehicles pass. The pre-school is on a blind corner and drivers do not seem to be aware of the speed they are travelling.

“I feel now this is an opportunity to try and make a difference before a tragedy happens.”

Property steward of Wellington Methodist Church, Roger Mason, said: “We have a number of children attending the church on a regular basis in the pre-school and toddler groups who have to cross the main road, often between cars. On Sundays, our elderly congregation face a similar problem.”

Mr Leary, a retired farmer who now lives in Wellington, feels making the road safer for young children should be of paramount importance.

He said: “The proposed railway station in town and the development of the greenway from Wellington to Taunton will help to reduce the number of vehicles on the local roads alongside the prospective bus service from Wiveliscombe to Wellington.

“However, the current traffic situation through the town is not good and improvements are much to be desired.”

Wellington Town Council plan discuss potential changes to the speed limit at their next meeting on Monday, December 2.