Campaigners present traffic petition as Panattoni Park work continues

Campaigners who battled against the development have since turned their attention on asking RMBC to act on air quality and traffic near the M18.

Hellaby Community Action Group spokesperson Ann Rowley presented the petition of 349 names at last week’s (5) full council meeting.

She said the ideal solution to alleviate the congestion consternation would be a by-pass.

Mrs Rowley told elected members: “Ultimately what we want is a safe and healthy environment for our communities, our families, and we would welcome any public engagement by the council with those directly affected as to how this can be achieved.

“We’re asking the council and National Highways to urgently address the adverse impacts of traffic congestion on Bawtry Road as traffic approaches junction one of the M18.

“We feel that the existing traffic congestion has been caused by the inadequate and under-funded road infrastructure which has created the adverse impacts we’ve experienced now over many years.

“That’s largely due to our location close to the M18 and the over concentration of distribution, warehousing, manufacturing and vehicle depots sites choosing to locate in our area.”

The action group feels that trafficfrom Panattoni Park — plus swathes of new housing at Maltby and Ravenfield — will make matters worse.

Mrs Rowley said: “We’re now sandwiched between Denby Way, an industrial site over 1sq km wide, covering more than 187 football fields, and the Panattoni site, 40 acres, or roughly 30 football fields.

“Whatever the predicted economic benefits, our Hellaby community, and those alongside us, will be paying a heavy price for providing for the employment needs of Bramley, Wickersley, and Ravenfield Common.”

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Tajamal Khan, who chaired the meeting, said the petition would be passed to the regeneration and environment director for a response.