TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE TO SAVE WINSCOMBE'S TOADS

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE TO SAVE WINSCOMBE'S TOADS

Started
9 October 2022
Signatures: 2,314Next Goal: 2,500
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Why this petition matters

Started by Joy Trusler

Every spring many hundreds of toads cross Winscombe Hill/Church Road in North Somerset on their migration to their breeding ponds.  Many don't make it.

Local volunteers have set up a toad patrol to try to rescue them from the road, but it is a busy road used as a 'rat-run' and despite our best efforts hundreds are squashed by vehicles every year, threatening the survival of the population.

Toads have declined by a catastrophic 68% across the UK in the last 30 years, yet we can prevent the loss of our local toad population here in Winscombe by temporarily closing the stretch of road between Winscombe Hall Care Centre and the junction of Church Road with the A371.  This need only occur during the migration period from the beginning of February until the end of March and only during the hours of darkness, when toads are on the move.

Disruption to motorists would be minimal as the A38 and A371 provide easy alternative routes, avoiding this stretch of road,  while access will of course remain for residents, emergency vehicles and service vehicles.   Diversions will have negligible impact on motorists yet the benefits to the conservation of local wildlife will be immense.

Authority to temporarily close the road lies in the hands of Winscombe Parish Council and North Somerset Council.  John Penrose, MP for his constituency, is supportive and will present the petition to the relevant authorities.  We urge you, please, to sign the petition, to demonstrate your support for local wildlife.

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Signatures: 2,314Next Goal: 2,500
Support now
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