THERE has been a 'bumper' response to a road safety consultation in Pool-in-Wharfedale.

Leeds City Council had asked residents to comment on a number of options* to try to improve safety at the A660 Leeds Road's junctions with upper and lower Old Pool Bank.

The junctions, especially with the lower section of the road, have been the scene of numerous near-misses.

Conscious of the lack of action following previous consultations, local councillors and safety campaigners urged as many villagers as possible to take part this time.

Councillors Barry and Caroline Anderson (both Con, Adel & Wharfedale) hand delivered reminder notices and collected completed survey forms to help.

So they were delighted to find out that nearly 250 households had responded - a response rate of about 25 per cent.

Cllr Barry Anderson said: "We were very pleased with the number of returns we have received; this is a very high turnout for a survey of this kind.

"I feel the response rate is indicative of the importance residents put on road safety and engaging in the process, and being given the opportunity to express their views.

"The level of return was also maximised by having two collection points for residents at both the Post Office, which is centrally located, and the letterbox at Old Pool Bank Village Hall.

"We allowed residents a reasonable time to respond in order to get their returns in and we also hand delivered a reminder flyer.

"Then for those who were unable to get to either of the drop-off points we walked around the village and Old Pool Bank collecting them."

Cllr Caroline Anderson said: "It was great that so many people engaged with this survey because we want to ensure everyone feels they have had the chance to contribute.

"The responses will be passed to Highways officers without any analysis from us, but as soon as Highways have analysed them we will be letting residents know what the outcome is and what officers recommend.

"We would also like to thank Pool Post Office for hosting the collection box - they were very happy when we collected it as it was getting full."

A spokesman for Old Pool Bank Road Safety Group added: "We’d like to add our thanks to everyone who took the time to fill in the survey and those who helped collect them.

"We wait with bated breath to see what the outcome will be.

"Let’s hope it will be for the best and ease the traffic hell residents living near the junction currently have to put up with on a daily basis."

*The options included a proposal to make lower Old Pool Bank a one-way route.