My home is here in Roundswell, Barnstaple. I work here, my community is here, and like many of you reading this, I fear for the future of our ease of mobility. The proposed plan by Devon County Council to construct a bus lane between Sainsbury’s and the A39 presents an alarming potential to cause severe gridlock throughout our area at peak times—a time when only one or two bus routes even utilise that road. This recklessly conceived project will disrupt our lives and impede our commutes, leaving us unable to move freely in our own neighbourhood during rush hours.

To compound this, the Roundswell ambulance station that many of us depend on in times of crisis, will also face these crippling traffic delays. The quick response time of our medical help which is paramount in saving lives will be tragically compromised. Lives are at stake here. We cannot let bureaucracy put unnecessary hurdles in the way of emergency services trying to do their job in times of need.

The council's plan not only lacks foresight, but also disregards the first-hand local knowledge we residents possess about the traffic patterns of Roundswell. Our voices matter. Our experiences count. Please, let us not stand by as decisions are made that will hinder our freedom of movement, disrupt our working schedules, and create potential hazards for our emergency services.

Help send Devon County Council a clear message: We demand a reconsideration of their flawed plan for a bus lane. Sign this petition today. Let's protect our beautiful, bustling Roundswell from becoming an accidental parking lot.