The makeshift BMX-type slope ending almost directly on the busy arterial highway has now been decoratively made safe, thanks to the imaginative barrier designed and installed by the leading house builder.

Gary Male, technical director for Persimmon Homes Wessex, said:

“When Cllr Bevan alerted us to the problem we were, of course, extremely concerned that lives were unnecessarily being put in danger.

“We therefore designed and installed a barrier which we are confident will discourage this activity in the future.”

Cllr Sarah Bevan has been working on the issue for a number of years, but came up against false leads and changes of ownership which led eventually to the discovery that Persimmon Homes Wessex did in fact own both this and various other land parcels throughout the area.

She said:  

"Persimmon Homes Wessex have, until recently, been unaware that it owned this piece of land and quite a few others which have been causing great anxiety for residents due to their proximity to major roads near their homes. I've had residents driving to my home in a distressed state, after they have been involved in near misses with young people who don't realise the danger of cycling at speed down a hill onto busy roads.

I'm extremely pleased with the way Persimmon Homes Wessex acted promptly once ownership had been established - this could have been a very different, not to mention tragic, story if they hadn't."

Bath and North East Somerset officers have worked with Cllr Bevan over the past few years to identify the so called 'no mans land' areas of Peasedown St John and are also pleased with the outcome, which will save the council from having to find resources from its emergency budget to shore up the bunds.

Residents from streets next to the slope have been complaining about the state of the land and the dangers they face for years and were disappointed at first to learn that the council could do little about it, since it was privately owned. Many contacted local councillor Sarah Bevan who took up the challenge to find the rightful owners.

One such resident, Christine Clarke of nearby Frenchfield Road, said:

"It is a lot safer driving home now after so many close shaves. I don't have to worry about people on bikes suddenly appearing in front of me and swerving down onto the road as they have done for years now. Most bikers would do a loop the loop right in front of drivers and not care about the danger so I'm pleased and so are my neighbours."