CAMPAIGNERS trying to stop HGVs from driving through their historic town are calling for urgent action after an articulated lorry became stuck for more than 40 minutes on a narrow bend.

East Anglian Daily Times: Residents in Clare are angry about the amount and size of huge lorries travelling through the village. Bob Verguson warns an oncoming motorist while an articulated lorry thunders through on the corner of Cavendish Road and Nethergate Street.Residents in Clare are angry about the amount and size of huge lorries travelling through the village. Bob Verguson warns an oncoming motorist while an articulated lorry thunders through on the corner of Cavendish Road and Nethergate Street. (Image: Archant)

In October 2011, Clare resident Bob Verguson started a push to get weight restrictions imposed on the A1092 after concerns were expressed about the increasing number of 40-tonne trucks using the winding road.

The town’s heritage-listed Bell Hotel has twice been struck and damaged by HGVs attempting to negotiate a 90-degree bend in the road.

The Lorry Action Group, backed by Clare Town Council, has repeatedly asked the county council for weight restrictions because it says the A1092 meets all of the Government’s criteria.

The authority said it would need to carry out extensive investigations into the extent of the issue and the impact on the wider road network before it could act.

However, after Clare became “gridlocked” again last week, Mr Verguson said that swift measures were needed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and road-users.

He added: “All roads from this busy corner were queued back for up to a mile completely blocking every road in town.

“In another gridlock incident the previous week, an ambulance with blue lights flashing was held up for about 20 minutes, unable to go forward or backwards.

“We are worried that someone is going to die in a fire or through lack of medical attention before a restriction is put in place.”

Last night a county council spokesman said: “We have been investigating the situation with heavy vehicles using the A1092 through Clare.

“A survey has been carried out to asses the quantity of vehicles using the road, and whether those vehicles need to use that particular route through the town.

“Analysis is still ongoing, but we hope to have a more informed picture within the next month.”